First Posted: 10/27/2014

UGI Utilities, Inc. is encouraging eligible natural gas and electric customers to apply for federal energy assistance dollars to keep their homes warm this winter. In addition, UGI will provide assistance those who need help in completing the application.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants, which do not need to be repaid, help customers with limited or fixed incomes pay their heating bills, repair or replace a heater, avoid utility service shut off, or assist in restoring a terminated service.

Last winter, qualifying UGI natural gas and electric division customers received cash grants from LIHEAP totaling approximately $6.2 million.

LIHEAP funds are limited and available on a first come, first served basis to qualifying customers. The Program opens November 3, so UGI urges customers to apply as soon as possible. For more information on federal energy assistance, customers should call UGI at 1-800-UGI-WARM (1-800-844-9276).

UGI will provide customers with information on the application process, and also provide assistance on completing and submitting the required forms. To qualify for funds a customer must provide proof of income, a recent heating bill, and the name, birth date and Social Security number for each person in his or her household. A table of qualifying income levels is attached.

At any time of the year, UGI customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bill are encouraged to contact UGI promptly to discuss payment arrangements and receive information on the utility’s own assistance programs. Qualified low-income customers may receive grants from UGI’s hardship funds, reduced bills based on a percentage of the customer’s income, or free home weatherization services.