Fixing a broken heater
The Energy Coordinating Agency’s heater hotline
ECA’s heater hotline offers free repairs for broken gas, electric or fuel oil heaters. For heater replacements, ECA forwards applications to the city’s Basic Systems Repair Program.
Who qualifies
Single-family homeowners earning at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that’s $23,475 a year for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four.
How to apply
Call the hotline at 215-568-7190.
Lowering your energy bills and utility debt
PECO’s Customer Assistance Program
PECO’s Customer Assistance Program, or CAP, caps your bill at a percentage of your income, with a minimum monthly payment of $10 for electricity or $20 for gas or electric heating. When enrolling for the first time, overdue bills can be forgiven.
PECO promised not to shut off service in November for customers it has confirmed to be low-income, including those who directed their LIHEAP grants to PECO within the last two years and those participating in its CAP.
Who’s eligible
Households with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that’s $23,475 a year for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four.
How to apply
You can apply online or by email, fax or mail (download an application form in English or Spanish). Call PECO for help at 1-800-774-7040.
PECO’s Customer Relief Fund
PECO’s Customer Relief Fund is providing grants of $750 to customers with an overdue balance through Dec. 31. The past-due balance cannot exceed $2,500.
Who’s eligible
Households with incomes between 151% and 300% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that’s around $23,631 to $46,950 a year for an individual or around $48,546 to $96,450 for a family of four.
How to apply
Apply online through the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program
Philadelphia Gas Works’ Customer Responsibility Program, or CRP, lowers gas bills by up to 50% and can lead to forgiveness of past-due bills.
PGW said it will not shut off service during November for residential customers participating in its CRP or who submitted an early application for LIHEAP this year and directed their grant to PGW.
Who qualifies
Households with incomes of no more than $23,475 annually for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four.
How to apply
Apply online through PGW’s My Account portal or by mail. Download applications in multiple languages from PGW’s website.
PGW’s Cares program
PGW’s Customer Assistance Referral Evaluation Program, or Cares, provides payment assistance to customers facing temporary hardships such as medical emergencies or unemployment.
How to apply
Call PGW at 215-235-1000.
Stopping utility shutoff and restoring service
Pennsylvania’s moratorium on utility shutoffs for low-income customers during the winter starts Dec. 1. But utilities throughout the state have committed to suspending shutoffs early, because of the impacts of the federal government shutdown, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
PECO’s Matching Energy Assistance Fund
PECO’s Matching Energy Assistance Fund provides grants to customers that eliminate their past-due balance in order to prevent an impending shutoff or get service restored.
Who qualifies
Households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that’s $31,300 for an individual or $64,300 for a family of four.
How to apply
Apply in-person at a MEAF agency in your county. In Philadelphia, this is the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) at 743 N. 24th St. Customers can apply through UESF online here.
PGW’s hardship fund
PGW’s hardship fund offers grants of up to $1,500 for customers who have received a termination notice or whose gas service is currently shut off. The grant must bring the customer’s account balance to $0.
Who qualifies
Customers with incomes at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that’s $27,388 for an individual or $56,263 for a family of four. Customers must apply for LIHEAP when available.
How to apply
Apply in person at certain Neighborhood Energy Centers.
Salvation Army in Bucks County
The Salvation Army’s Levittown Corps offers up to $500 in utility assistance in lower Bucks County, generally for households at risk of a shutoff who don’t qualify for other forms of assistance.
How to apply
Call 215-945-0717 to request an appointment with a caseworker.
Buying heating oil
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s emergency fund can help older adults who have “exhausted all other resources” pay for home heating oil, prevent a utility shutoff or get service restored.
How to apply
Call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 to learn more.