HARRISBURG, Dec. 12, 2012 – Philadelphians who have had their electric service terminated should check into their eligibility for a state program that provides utility grants in crisis situations, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.

As part of Pennsylvania’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Department of Public Welfare has implemented the LIHEAP Crisis Exception Program. This program will provide grants for customers that have been terminated and have not been restored.

“For thousands of families, the effects of the recession linger and losing electric service in the winter can be life-threatening,” Tartaglione said. “Residents who have had their service terminated should consider applying for the crisis grants to help them get through tough times.”

According to the Department of Welfare, PECO will conditionally accept crisis exception grants for customers that are terminated and have arrearages under $4,000. Grant acceptance on customers with balances over $4,000 will be addressed on a case by case basis.

To apply for the LIHEAP Crisis Exception Grant, the customer must appear in person at the Philadelphia Assistance Office, 1348 W. Sedgley Avenue.  The customer will be required to provide either a PECO Service Denial Letter, or a notice stating service has been terminated (less than 30 days old).

If, the customer’s service was terminated less than 30 days ago, and they are requesting a notice to apply for the grant; the County Assistance Office will accept the Post Termination Notice left at the property as proof of termination. Customers will be asked to provide the following:

  • Proof of income for the past 30 days for all members of the household
  • A bill for their primary heating source
  • Identification/Social Security information for all members of the household

If, the customer’s service was terminated more than 30 days ago, PECO will provide the customer with a Service Denial Letter or tell them to bring their post termination notice to the Assistance Office.

For more information on the Crisis Exception Grant Program, call 215-560-1583