Chairman Jordan Harris announces commitments from PGW and PECO to protect PA consumers during LIHEAP delay

Rep. Jordan A. Harris    October 30, 2025 | 12:31 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30 -- Pennsylvania House Appropriations Chairman Jordan A. Harris, who also serves as State Representative for the 186th Legislative District in Philadelphia, announced today that Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and PECO are taking steps to support vulnerable households by connecting eligible customers to existing utility assistance programs while the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remains delayed due to the federal government shutdown.

LIHEAP, which helps eligible households heat their homes, has not yet received federal funding and will not open applications until Dec. 3. Over 400,000 Pennsylvanians depend on LIHEAP each year to offset winter heating costs.

In response, Chairman Harris has been in direct conversations with Philadelphia’s utility providers to ensure residents are connected to the programs that can help them manage their utility bills during this time.

To help mitigate the impact of the government shutdown and related lack of LIHEAP funding, beginning Nov. 1, PGW will suspend service disconnections for residential customers who are participating in PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program or who have directed their LIHEAP grant to PGW this year in an early application with DHS. PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) remains available and reduces monthly bills based on income. Customers enrolled in CRP pay less each month, and past debt is forgiven. Customers can enroll by calling 215-235-1000 or visiting PGWorks.com.

Chairman Harris is also urging PECO customers to enroll in the utility’s existing Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which provides income-eligible customers with a fixed monthly bill and arrearage forgiveness, and apply for the Customer Relief Fund, which provides limited- and moderate-income customers with a one-time $750 bill credit. Customers can find additional assistance programs at peco.com/help. Beginning Nov. 1, PECO will not disconnect service for residential customers who have been confirmed by PECO as low-income, which includes those participating in CAP or who have directed their LIHEAP grant to PECO within the last two years. PECO does not disconnect service for verified residential customers at or below 250% FPL during the winter months through the winter moratorium (Dec. 1 through March 31). 

“The federal government shutdown is putting thousands of Pennsylvania families at risk of extreme hunger and the inability to keep their homes warm and running,” said Chairman Jordan A. Harris. “I appreciate both PGW and PECO, and their leadership, for stepping up in this moment and taking meaningful action to keep vulnerable households connected to essential services. We’re encouraging all eligible residents to enroll in assistance programs, and we’ll keep advocating for the resources needed to ensure our neighbors remain safe and warm this winter.”

Residents who need assistance enrolling in utility assistance programs should contact their local state representative. To find yours, visit www.legis.state.pa.us and use the “Find My Legislator” tool.