LIHEAP FY 2009 Benefit
Heating: $300 minimum
Crisis: $800 maximum
LIHEAP Households Served (Estimate for FY 2007 Heating)
284,000
LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: November 3 - March 31
Crisis: November 3 - March 31
Utility
Low-income Rate Assistance
Pennsylvania’s major gas and electric utilities are required to provide Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), which generally provide a percentage of bill plan or a percentage of income payment plan, wherein low-income customers’ utility payments are based upon their incomes and/or utility bills. Some programs include utility arrearage forgiveness; others provide flat rate discounts or bill credits. Under electric and gas restructuring legislation all electric and gas utilities are required to offer universal service programs, to include CAPs, and to continue pre-restructuring low-income programs.
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Mandated by a 1987 PUC order, the Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) was renewed in 1992 through 1996, and continued under universal service provisions of electric and gas utility restructuring legislation. The state's 15 major gas and electric utilities participate in LIURP with a pre-restructuring funding level of about 2/10 of one percent of each utility’s total revenues. LIURP includes an education component that addresses energy savings, regular bill payment behavior and provides application assistance.
Allegheny Power
1-800-207-1250
TDD 1-800-955-9445
CAP
Reduced monthly payment based on a percentage of the household's income. If customer is faithful to the plan, arrearages are reduced.
Waived late payment charges. Eligibility: 150%, or below, federal poverty guidelines.
LIURP
Emphasis on baseload electric measures; lighting; heating system, water heater, and refrigerator replacement.
CAP
Affordable payment plans for customers with low incomes and long-term bill payment problems. Eligibility: 150%, or below, federal poverty guidelines.
Warm Choice
A free weatherization program that first identifies an energy picture of your home and then takes action to seal up areas where heat escapes. This free program is designed for customers with low incomes and high gas usage.
Emergency Repair Fund
Offers financial assistance for the repair or replacement of natural gas furnaces, water heaters, service & house lines and space heaters serving as the primary heat source for a residential dwelling. This program is designed to address emergency situations that involve unsafe service conditions for residential heat customers with low incomes, who own and are living in their home.
CAP
Based on income and family size, CAP allows customers to pay a certain percentage of their gas bill
Waiver of late payment charges and security deposits.
LIURP
Based on income and energy usage, customers may be eligible to receive heating system retrofits, weather-stripping, caulking, insulation and other energy-saving measures.
Stay Warm Programs
Five Stay Warm programs are designed to extend the safety net during the cold weather months (Dec. 1 through March 31) by helping disconnected, low-income customers have their service reconnected and providing other working poor customers credits of up to $150 to offset arrearages on their accounts (other than their current month's bill). Eligible customers can apply at local community-based organizations. For more information call 1-888-393-7600. www.duquesnelight.com/CustomerServices/Bills&Payments/
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
This affordable monthly payment program permits qualified customers to pay a portion of their household income for gas service. Equitable also provides information on conservation techniques.
LIURP
Installation of various energy conservation measures including: attic insulation, sidewall insulation, heating equipment repair, air sealing, etc. Eligibility: EAP income guidelines, higher than average gas usage and a balance exceeding $750. Customers may own or rent their home; however, if renting, the landlord must provide written approval.
412-395-3254
CAP
CAP offers a reduced bill that is based on a percentage of income, and debt forgiveness. Eligibility: at or below 150% federal poverty guidelines.
1-800-545-7741
Waiver of late payment charges.
WARM Program
Met-Ed partners with community-based organizations and energy conservation contractors who perform energy-saving home improvements and energy education for customers. Eligibility: electric heat or electric water heat, or an average electric bill of about $55 a month.
1-800-207-9276
National Fuel Gas
1-800-365-3234 or 814-871-8200
Low Income Residential Assistance Program (LIRAP)
Reduced billing based on a percentage of the household's income and arrearage forgiveness.
Elderly, Blind or Disabled Payment Troubled Residential Assistance
This program is designed to assist payment-troubled customers who are at least 62 years of age, blind or disabled. Program features include a lower monthly gas rate, debt forgiveness, emergency heating equipment repair or replacement, and conservation measures depending upon individual circumstances. www.natfuel.com/forhome/special_services.htm
Waiver of late payment charges.
LIURP
Full weatherization conservation treatments and heating system and water heater replacement.
Heating/Water Heating Repair or Replacement
Repair or replacement of faulty, hazardous or non-operational primary heating/water heating equipment. Renters are not eligible. Clients are referred by human service organizations.
CAP Rate A discounted residential tariff rate for low-income customers within the PECO service territory. There are four discounted rates available to electric and gas customers. The percentage of discount is based on the gross household income of the customer.
Waiver of late payment charges
LIURP
Through the program, weatherization measures are installed in your home and you receive conservation education. The program is free of charge.
1-800-675-0222.
CAP
Reduced monthly payment and arrearage forgiveness. Eligibility: at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
1-800-545-7741
Waiver of late payment charges.
1-800-545-7741
Warm Program
Penelec partners with community-based organizations and energy conservation contractors who perform energy-saving home improvements and energy education for customers. Eligibility: electric heat or electric water heat, or an average electric bill of about $55 a month.
1-800-207-9276
CAP
Participating CAP customers are placed on a payment plan that requires a regular monthly payment based on a discounted rate.
WARM Program
Free home energy educaation and weatherization assistance to help eligible low-income customers.
Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL)
OnTrack
A special payment plan that offers reduced monthly payments, protection from shutoffs and debt forgiveness. Administered by local agencies.
1-800-342-5775
www.pplelectric.com/Residential+Customers/
WRAP
Customers may qualify for energy education, energy-efficient appliances and home weatherization services such as insulation and caulking. WRAP is administered by local agencies.
1-888-232-6302 www.pplelectric.com/Residential+Customers/
PPL Gas
Customer Assistance Program
A special discounted rate program for low-income households (those at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level) that use natural gas heat, have overdue balances and are unable to pay. Customers who qualify for CAP will benefit from a rate reduction based on ability to pay, forgiveness of their overdue balance over a specified period of time and referrals to other community programs and services.
1-800-652-0550 www.pplgas.com/home/payment+assistance/customer_assistance_program.htm
Customer Responsibility Program
Reduced monthly billing for qualifying customers. Apply at Neighborhood Energy Centers year-round.
Conservation Works
Services may include: diagnostic audit, energy education, energy-related home repair, thermostat with automatic clock, blower door guided shell tightening, water-heater wrap and pipe insulation, furnace filters or radiator reflectors, hot water conservation devices (if hot water heater is gas-fueled) and roof insulation. Must be enrolled in the Customer Responsibility Program.
TW Phillips Gas & Oil Co.
1-800-222-5101
Energy Help Fund
The program includes benefits such as rate discounts and opportunities to reduce past due balances as timely monthly payments are made. To be eligible, household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Partners Program
Affordable payments for low-income customers based on percentage of income, and arrearage forgiveness.
LIURP
A weatherization program, which provides energy-saving measures in the home that are designed to limit heat loss and help lower heating bills.
UGI Utilities Inc. - Electric Division
1-800-844-9276
Low Income Self Help Program (LISHP)
Monthly payment will be based on a household's income rather than gas usage. When LISHP bills are paid on or before the due date the difference between the amount billed and the actual amount used will be forgiven. Past due balance may be forgiven. www.ugi.com/electric/account/assistance/lishp.html
LIURP
Offers free energy conservation measures to high usage, low-income households to help make energy bills more affordable. Possible energy saving measures can include ceiling insulation, floor, duct and hot water pipe insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, gas heater repairs and water flow restrictors. You must be a residential UGI customers at the same address for at least 12 months before you can qualify for these services.
www.ugi.com/electric/account/assistance/liurp.html
UGI Utilities Inc. - Gas Division
1-800-844-9276
Low Income Self Help Program (LISHP)
Monthly payment will be based on a household's income rather than gas usage. When LISHP bills are paid on or before the due date the difference between the amount billed and the actual amount used will be forgiven. www.ugi.com/gas/account/assistance/lishp.html
LIURP
Offers free energy conservation measures to high usage, low-income households to help make energy bills more affordable. Possible energy saving measures can include ceiling insulation, floor, duct and hot water pipe insulation, caulking and weather-stripping, gas heater repairs and water flow restrictors. You must be a residential UGI customers at the same address for at least 12 months before you can qualify for these services. www.ugi.com/gas/account/assistance/liurp.html
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
$1 Energy Fund
The $1 Energy Fund, Inc. was founded in 1983 in Western Pennsylvania by a coalition of concerned community, religious, and business leaders, and has grown to become the fourth largest fuel fund in the country, both in clients served and dollars granted. The fund partners with utility companies across Pennsylvania. Each company matches every donation dollar for dollar and makes a separate donation towards administrative expenses. Applicants should contact their local community action agency. www.dollarenergy.org/
Philadelphia Utility Emergency Services Fund
The Philadelphia Utility Emergency Services Fund is one of the largest fuel funds in the country, providing over $2 million annually in energy crisis assistance benefits in recent years. It was created by utility companies, public officials, business leaders, and community organizations in response to increased terminations of gas, electric, and water service coupled with inadequate LIHEAP benefits. Philadelphia's three major utilities (gas, electric and water) provide a dollar-for-dollar match to every dollar raised and contribute to the fund's operating costs. Philadelphia residents have thirteen sites to choose from to get help with their utility bills. www.uesfacts.org/client.html
Equitable Gas
Hardship Fund
Supplemental payments for repair/replacement of defective heating equipment or gas lines.
412-395-3160 - Allegheny County
1-800-654-6335 - Outside Allegheny Co.
National Fuel Gas
Neighbor For Neighbor Heat Fund
The fund is supported by customer, employee and shareholder donations that are used for cash grants to prevent disconnection of utility service, pay current or past due energy bills or purchase home heating fuel of any kind. Eligible customers include seniors 55 years or older and households with a member that has a handicap or disability that reduces household income. Applications are screened and grants are administered by human service organizations from the 14 Northwestern Pennsylvania counties.
1-800-365-3234 or 814-871-8200 www.natfuel.com/forhome/PaymentAssistance.htm
PECO
Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF)
MEAF is an energy assistance program that enables PECO Energy to assist low-income, residential customers in its service territory with bill payment. MEAF is a customer pledge program in which PECO matches customer contributions.
1-800-774-7040 www.exeloncorp.com/ourcompanies/
PPL
Operation Help
Funds may be used to pay any type of home heating bill (electric, natural gas, oil or coal). Funding comes from PPL, its customers, its employees and retirees. A network of 16 community groups and social service agencies across eastern and central Pennsylvania administers the program, interviews applicants and distributes funds.
1-800-342-5775 www.pplelectric.com/Residential+Customers/
PPL Gas Utilities
Operation SHARE
Provides emergency financial aid to pay heating bills for families with financial hardships. Operation SHARE is funded by customers, employees and PPL. The $1 Energy Fund administers Operation Share. A network of community-based agencies processes applications for aid from families with financial hardships because of unemployment, disabilities, large medical expenses and other reasons.
1- 800-652-0550 www.pplgas.com/home/payment+assistance/operation_share.htm
Pennsylvania Power Company
Reach Hardship Fund
The fund is supported by employee and customer contributions that are matched with corporate funds. Payments are made directly to energy vendors of low-income customers to help with energy bills. The funds are administered by the Salvation Army.
1-800-720-3600 www.firstenergycorp.com/
UGI Penn Natural Gas
Project Outreach
Resources include shareholder, employee and customer contributions and special fund raising projects. Payments are applied to customers' gas bills.
1-800-490-8605 www.ugi.com/png/account/assistance/outreach.html
UGI Utilities, Inc. Electric Division
Operation Share
Through UGI's Operation Share, customers can help troubled families meet their energy needs. For every $2 donated, UGI adds another $1 of funding, up to $4000 per year. The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) administers the program and determines eligibility for assistance.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/electric/account/assistance/sharefuelfund.html
UGI Utilities, Inc. Gas Division
Operation Share
UGI employee and company donations are distributed to payment-troubled customers to reduce bill arrearage or for emergency fuel and/or heating repair or replacement. Community based organizations throughout UGI’s service territory administer the funds.
1-800-844-9276 www.ugi.com/gas/account/assistance/sharefuelfund.html
Adams Electric Cooperative
Project Helping Hand
Customer donations help less fortunate co-op members who are unable to pay their electric bills.
1-888-232-6732 www.adamsec.com/OurCommunity/
Central Electric Cooperative
Family Fund Energy Assistance Program
Funds from members, employees and Cooperative matching funds assist member-families with heating bills. The Family Fund will match whatever the member is able to pay, up to $200, during a twelve month period, if certain criteria are met.
Armstrong County - Community Action Office: 724-548-3405
Butler County - The Salvation Army: 724-287-5532
Clarion County - Community Action Office: 814-226-4785
Forest County - Information & Referral Service 800-222-1706
Venango County - Office of Economic Opportunity: 814-432-9767 www.central.coop/CEC_Payment_Options.asp
Centre County Fuel Bank
For more information on how to get help paying for your heating oil, call the Centre County Community Help Line at 1-800-494-2500.
Citizen's Electric
$ Energy Fund
Eligible families must apply for all available energy assistance grants before applying to the $1 Energy Fund, and meet the grant program guidelines that include making a sincere effort of payment. Applications for the $1 Energy funds are available at the Citizens' Electric Company office, 1775 Industrial Blvd. in Lewisburg.
www.citizenselectric.com/DollarEnergy.asp
Claverack Electric Cooperative
Operation Round-Up
Members donations help low-income and in-need families in Claverack service territory. Contact the fund administrator, your county's Energy Assistance Office for application.
1-800-326-9799 or 570-265-2167 www.claverack.com/claverack/Forms/FmOperationRoundUp.asp
Montgomery County
An emergency fuel fund for eligible seniors and disabled offers one-time payments when all other programs cannot resolve an emergency. The Montgomery County Office of Aging and Adult Services (AAS) will begin taking calls about the program and screening applicants after November 3. Those applying to the program should call the AAS office at 610-278-3601.
New Enterprise REC
Family In Need Fund
Member donations provide assistance to families in need. The Center for Community Action determines eligibility for these funds.
814-766-3221 ext. 224 www.newenterpriserec.com/familyinneed.aspx
Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative
Member to Member
Member donations are matched by the Co-op and the funds will be used to help benefit members who are struggling to pay their electric bill. Contact the Co-op office for names and phone numbers of participating agencies.
1-800-352-0014 www.northwesternrec.com/membertomember.htm
REA Energy Cooperative
Members Sharing With Members Fund
Member donations provide assistance to cooperative members who may be faced with an unexpected loss of income due to illness, family emergency, or other situation which may limit their ability to pay their electric bills.
724-349-4800 or 1-800-211-5667 www.reaenergy.com/operation_round_up.htm
Somerset Rural Electric Cooperative
Lights On
A program to help needy members with their electric bills. Lights On is funded by the voluntary contributions of members who want to help those who are down on their luck.
814-445-4106 or 1-800-443-4255 www.somersetrec.com/community.htm
Spring City and Royersford
Project Outreach
A one-time-per-year emergency assistance program for Spring City and Royersford residents will provide up to 150 gallons of oil per household to residents.
Project Outreach has no set guidelines.
610-948-5111
Wellsboro Electric Company
$ Energy Fund
Provides grants to low income residential customers for electric bills. To qualify for assistance, certain guidelines must be met:
Eligible customers must apply for all available assistance grants before appling to the $1 Energy Fund
They must meet the grant program guidelines, including making a sincere effort of payment (at least $100 on their account in the last 90 days).
Applicants must have a balance on their utility bill of at least $100.
