This information was last updated on April 1, 2026. Download flyer with this information here. (Versión Español.)
If you live in Philadelphia and are behind on your gas or electric bills or have already received a shutoff notice, follow these steps right away to avoid losing service.
Apply for grant assistance
Apply for grants from LIHEAP (applications close May 8th, 2026) and the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF). These grants can pay a gas or electric bill, stop a shutoff notice, and do not need to be repaid.
- LIHEAP: Apply online at compass.state.pa.us, in person at your county assistance office, or by calling (866) 857-7095
- UESF: Apply by calling (215) 814-6837 or emailing utility@uesfacts.org
- PGW Hardship Funds: Apply at a local Neighborhood Energy Center.
- PECO Customer Relief Fund: Apply online at tinyurl.com/Apply-PECO-Relief.
Apply for a low-income assistance program
PECO’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) or PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) help low-income customers lower their monthly bills and assist with debt forgiveness. Enrolling in one of these programs may prevent a shutoff.
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- PECO’s CAP: Call (800) 774-7040 or apply online at tinyurl.com/Apply-CAP-PECO
- PGW’s CRP: Call (215) 235-1000 or apply online at pgworks.com/customer-care/crp
Request a payment arrangement
Anyone, regardless of income, can request a payment agreement from the utility on their balance. Do not agree to a payment arrangement that you can’t afford. If you’re denied a payment arrangement and want to challenge that decision, request the reason for your denial and call the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services. Some households may also be eligible for a PUC-issued payment agreement.
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- Call PECO at (888) 480-1533 and ask for a payment agreement on your balance
- Call PGW at (215) 235-1777 and ask for a payment agreement on your balance
Request a medical certificate
If you or someone in your house has a serious illness or medical condition that would be impacted by loss of utilities, you may be eligible for a medical certificate, which stops termination for 30 days. (Additional 30 day renewals may be possible.)
- Call PECO or PGW. Give the utility your medical provider’s fax number. The utility will fax a medical certificate to the medical provider.
- More information on how to use a medical certificate to prevent shutoff
File a dispute with the Public Utility Commission (PUC)
If filed before the day of shutoff, an informal complaint regarding your bill or pending termination will temporarily stop the shutoff while the PUC investigates.
- Call the Bureau of Consumer Services at (800) 692-7380
- More information on how to file a gas or electric dispute
