LIHEAP and other Energy Assistance is Available for PECO Customers
Funds are now available to assist Pennsylvania low-income and fixed-income individuals and families this heating season. PECO customers should call 1-800-34-HELP-4 to apply.
LIHEAP is a Federal program that provides assistance to individuals who are having trouble paying their electric, natural gas or other energy bills. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Last year LIHEAP helped more than 39,000 PECO customers with assistance totaling about $9.345 million.
Both cash and crisis assistance is available. The cash program provides up to $300 in a direct payment to a vendor, such as a utility like PECO. Cash recipients can allocate their LIHEAP payment to any utility, oil or gas company that serves them. The crisis program is allocated for emergencies including reinstating service that has been shut-off for non-payment, fuel payments, and repairing leaking pipes and broken furnaces.
Grants are based on household size and income, type of fuel used and county of residence. To be eligible, household income cannot exceed 135 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines, or:
- $12,920 one-person household
- $17,321 two-person household
- $21,722 three-person household
- $26,123 four-person household
- $30,524 five-person household
- $39,326 six-person household
- For larger households, the guidelines increase by $4,401 for each additional person.
For a LIHEAP application in English, click here.
For a LIHEAP application in Spanish, click here.
Budget Billing makes short-term fluctuation in monthly bills much easier to handle by dividing annual energy costs evenly over 12 months. Call 1-800-494-4000 for energy efficiency tips and additional information on budget billing.
In addition to LIHEAP, other assistance programs are offered by PECO:
PECO Universal Service Programs
PECO's Universal Service programs are designed for low-income, residential customers who demonstrate or express difficulty in paying their monthly energy bill. The Company's Universal Service plan contains four components: the Cap Rate, Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP), Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF), Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES), and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
CAP Rate
CAP Rate is 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. If you think your household may qualify for CAP Rate call 1-800-774-7040.
For a CAP Rate application, click here.
Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
PECO's Residential Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) can help you lower the amount of gas and electricity used in your home. Through the program, weatherization measures are installed in your home and you receive conservation education. The program is free of charge. To see if you are eligible for this program, call 1-800-675-0222.
Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF)
Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) is an existing 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. To determine if your household qualifies for MEAF call 1-800-774-7040.
If you would like to contribute to PECO's MEAF program, please click here for the pledge form. Please return the completed form to: MEAF Donation, c/o Universal Services, PECO, 2301 Market Street N-3, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES)
Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) is a referral and information service designed to assist customers who have temporary personal or financial hardship that prevent the payment of their utility bill. Call 1-800-774-7040 to determine if your household qualifies for the CARES program.
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For additional information on all low income programs click here.