This year, over 50,000 federal grants were issued for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program in the Philadelphia region alone. Residence who are serviced by PECO energy received over $25 million in grants last season alone, a sharp increase over the $11 million delivered during the previous winter. As a result of higher energy costs, economic challenges and a cold winter, Liheap grants in the northeast were at an all-time high. Additionally, Peco serviced an additional number of households throughout the Federal MEAF (Matching Energy Assistance Fund) which provides subsidies for middle income families.
Working closely with state agencies within Philadelphia, PECO altered its payment terms to allow families more opportunities to finance their energy costs. As a result, fewer customers saw energy terminations this year relative to the past, even through the demand for energy assistance increased. Peco modified its Universal Services program to help provide additional time and opportunities to low income families in order to meet the challenges. In addition to financing, the company provides a Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation and Customer Assistance Program to help connect families in need with support groups and education opportunities.
Peco serves more than 1.5 million electronic customers in Pennsylvania, as well as nearly 500,000 natural gas customers. The organization works closely with local, state and federal government to provide a variety of assistance programs to low and middle income residential customers during the winter months. Families who are in need should always turn to the state agencies first, but can also get relief through their energy provided in certain cases, especially when undergoing and adapting to a recent hardship. Peco has a complete set of on-line tools which can help you more effectively manage your energy bills throughout the year, ensuring that your budgeting process allows for a complete set of opportunities.
This year’s high level of Liheap bills is expected to be further compounded by again-increasing energy costs, as well as a hurting economy, especially in the industrial sectors in central parts of the state. As a result, government officials as well as local agencies and providers are actively working to ensure that energy assistance demand is met during tough economic times. The recently passed economic stimulus bill provides tax rebates and incentives for weatherization and green energy programs, giving households an opportunity to save by lowering energy bills throughout the year.
