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​PECO customers can receive up to $1,500 in energy assistance grants

PHILADELPHIA (November 1, 2017) – More than $202 million is now available, in Pennsylvania, to help PECO customers keep warm this winter. Through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), PECO customers can receive up to $1,500 in grant support, however customers must apply early to get their grant, before funds run out.

LIHEAP is a federal program that provides assistance to individuals who are having trouble paying their electric, natural gas or other heating bills. Homeowners, renters, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Last year, PECO helped its customers receive more than $15 million in LIHEAP grant assistance.

"We want to spread the word to our customers that there is help available to ensure they stay safe and warm this winter," said Patricia King, PECO's manager of Universal Services. "It is essential that our customers file their applications early, to ensure they can secure their grant while money is still available."

PECO is reaching out to customers through community forums, direct mail and advertising to ensure eligible customers know help is available.

LIHEAP provides cash grants, up to $1,000 per customer, through a direct payment to a vendor, such as a utility like PECO. Customers do not have to be behind on their bills in order to receive a cash grant. LIHEAP also has money allocated for emergencies including payments up to $500 to reinstate service that has been shut off for non-payment, and for repairing leaking pipes and broken furnaces.

Grants are based on household size and income, type of fuel used and county of residence. A family of four with an annual household income of $36,900 can qualify for help. To be eligible, annual household income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines, or:

• $18,090 One-person household

• $24,360 Two-person household

• $30,630 Three-person household

• $36,900 Four-person household

For larger households, the guidelines increase by $6,270 for each additional person.

Customers can call 1-800-34-HELP4 or visit www.peco.com/help for more information, questions or help in filling out the application.

PECO manages the largest and most comprehensive Universal Services program in Pennsylvania. In addition to LIHEAP, PECO has many other programs to help customers manage their energy costs and save money. Other assistance programs include:

• The Customer Assistance Program (CAP): A credit based on household income and energy use.

• The Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF): A program funded by voluntary contributions of citizens and matched dollar for dollar by PECO for up to $1,000 in total assistance for those who qualify.

• Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): A program that provides year-round conservation and weatherization assistance for qualified households.

• Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES): A referral and information service designed to assist customers who have temporary personal or financial hardships that prevent the payment of their utility bill.

PECO customers who are not eligible for low-and fixed-income assistance but are having trouble managing their energy costs should also consider taking advantage of other programs including budget billing. Budget billing makes short-term fluctuations in monthly bills much easier to handle by dividing annual energy costs evenly throughout the year.

All customers can save money on their monthly energy bills by using energy as efficiently as possible. To find low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy and money, visit peco.com/smartideas.

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PECO, founded in 1881, is Pennsylvania's largest electric and natural gas utility. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO delivers energy to more than 1.6 million electric customers and more than 516,000 natural gas customers in southeastern, Pennsylvania.  The company's 2,500 employees are dedicated to the safe and reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas as well as enhanced energy management conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance.  PECO was named 2017 Best Mid-size Employer in Philadelphia by Forbes Magazine. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $4.3 billion in Pennsylvania, supporting more than 8,700 local jobs and producing $732 million in labor income.  PECO is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's only Fortune 100 utility and leading competitive energy provider. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.

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