Utility Shut-Offs
Trouble Paying Utility Bills
If you have not paid, or if you are behind in paying, your utility bills, the utility company can shut off the
service to your rental property after giving proper notice. See Utility Shut-Offs. However, even if you
cannot pay the whole amount owed, you can take steps to keep your utility service on.
• Electric, gas and some water companies have Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs). CAPs
are available to low-income customers who have difficulty paying their full monthly bill. These
programs provide discounts to the monthly bill as well as past debt forgiveness in exchange for the
customer making regular monthly payments. Ask your company if you are eligible.
• Utility companies must allow you to pay your bills on a budget plan, so that your winter payments
are not extremely high while your summer payments are low. Under a budget plan, your payments
are averaged so that each monthly payment is the same.
• You may be eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This
program may be able to help you in paying your utility bills or other costs of keeping warm (space
heaters and home repairs). The Department of Public Welfare operates three energy programs—
the Energy Assistance Cash Grant, the Crisis Grant, and the Crisis Grant Weatherization Repair
Assistance. If you are experiencing a heating crisis, you may be eligible for benefits through the
LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include broken heating equipment or leaking lines that
must be fixed or replaced, lack of fuel, a main heating source or second heating source (a source that
is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) that has
been completely shut-off, and danger of being without fuel (less than a 15-day supply) or of having
utility service terminated (received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
• Each electric and gas company has a Hardship Fund to which low-income customers may
apply in order to avoid shut-off or to have service reconnected. Call your company to see if you
are eligible.
• The Weatherization Assistance Program and the Residential Low Income Usage
Reduction Program are free services provided to eligible low-income utility customers. Services
provided may include a home energy survey, weatherization services and usage reduction
education. Contact your utility company or the Community Action Program serving your area in
order to apply or to get more information.
• The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has many resources to help keep individuals and
families warm during Pennsylvania winters. Visit their website at www.puc.state.pa.us to learn more.
• If you live outside of Philadelphia, visit the $1 Energy Fund at www.dollarenergy.org or contact
your utility company for information on programs that may help you pay your utility bill.
• If you live in Philadelphia, visit the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) at www.uesfacts.org or
call (215) 972-5170 for information on a program that may help you pay your utility bill.
To apply or for more information about LIHEAP, call the PA Department of Human Services at
1-800-692-7462 Monday through Friday (individuals with hearing impairments may call 711). You
can also apply for LIHEAP at www.compass.state.pa.us. If you need help filling out your COMPASS
application, call the HELPLINE at 1-800-692-7462 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday
through Friday. If you are hearing impaired, call TTY/TTD at 1-800-451-5886.
You can also call your local County Board of Assistance or the Community Action Program serving
your area.
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