UGI encourages eligible natural gas and electric customers to apply for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help cover the cost of their energy bills. In addition, a number of UGI customer assistance programs are available to assist income-eligible customers.
LIHEAP is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and will accept applications until the closing date of May 6, 2022. LIHEAP grants help customers with limited or fixed incomes pay their heating bills, repair or replace a heating unit, avoid utility service shut off, and assist in restoring a terminated service. LIHEAP grants do not need to be repaid.
Customers interested in applying for LIHEAP should contact UGI at 1-800-UGI-WARM (1-800-844-9276). Company representatives will provide customers with information on the application process and eligibility requirements and can also provide assistance in completing and submitting the required forms.
During the 2020-2021 season, more than 40,000 qualifying UGI natural gas and electric customers received cash grants of over $11.2 million from LIHEAP. For this heating season, the cash benefit for an eligible customer has been increased to a maximum of $1,500.
To qualify for LIHEAP funds, a customer must provide the following:
- Proof of income;
- Recent heating bill;
- Name, birth date and Social Security number for each person in the household.
UGI sponsored programs are also designed to assist customers having difficulty paying their energy bill and reduce energy usage through conservation measures. They include:
· UGI’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offers qualifying income-eligible customers a more manageable monthly energy bill. UGI provides CAP participants with a monthly payment amount based on gross income, household size, and energy usage.
· The Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) or Weatherization, offers free installation of energy conservation measures to low-income households to help make energy bills more affordable. Possible energy saving measures include ceiling insulation; floor, duct and hot water pipe insulation; caulking and weather-stripping, gas heater repairs and water saving low-flow devices.
· The Operation Share Energy Fund provides energy assistance grants to qualifying customers who experience difficulty paying their heating bills. This community-based program is funded by a corporate donation by UGI as well as voluntary donations from UGI employees, UGI customers, and concerned citizens.
· C.A.R.E.S. (Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Service) can provide referrals to other helpful programs in the community. These programs can include LIHEAP, budget counseling, State Weatherization, or Office of Aging programs.
A family of four with an annual income of $39,750 or less may qualify for LIHEAP. For UGI customer assistance programs, a family of four with an annual income of $41,625 or less may qualify for the CAP and LIURP programs. For Operation Share, that maximum income is $55,500.
“UGI realizes the pandemic over the past several years has caused hardship for many families,” Daniel Adamo, UGI vice president of customer relations, said. “We encourage any customer who is having difficulty paying their energy bill to contact us and discuss their individual circumstances.”
More information about the event is available at www.ugi.com/assistance-programs/
UGI is a natural gas and electric utility company that serves more than 730,000 customers. Additional information about UGI Utilities is available at www.ugi.com. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ugiutilities or Twitter: www.twitter.com/ugi_utilities.