New Utility Assistance Program Available for Pennsylvania Renters

PECO customers can apply for grant funding to assist with paying utility bills

PHILADELPHIA, April 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Many PECO customers facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have a new resource to help pay their utility bills.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which was signed into law February 5, helps to support Pennsylvania renters and families at risk of homelessness due to financial hardships caused by the pandemic. The grant funding can be applied to a customer’s electric and natural gas bill, and customers can apply to receive grant funding to cover all outstanding balances incurred during the pandemic.

Tenants—and landlords on behalf of tenants—can apply for funding. For more information and to apply, visit the Department of Human Services Website.

“We understand that many of our customers continue to face financial hardships, particularly renters, due to the pandemic,” said Funmi Williamson, PECO senior vice president and Chief Customer Officer. “We commend Governor Wolf and the legislature for enacting the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and are hopeful that that this new resource, combined with PECO’s many flexible payment options and financial assistance programs, will provide necessary support as our region’s residents continue to transition through this difficult time.”

While ERAP provides grants to customers living in rental units, PECO offers a variety of bill relief options and assistance programs to help customers make ends meet. PECO has made new payment plans available, which can spread outstanding balance payments up to 24 months, with no money down and no interest charged. Residential customers should act now and can find out more about options online at www.peco.com/help.

Additional customer assistance programs include:

• Customer Assistance Program (CAP): An annual credit based on household income and energy use.
• Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federal grant program to help low-income customers manage their energy costs and ensure service during the heating season.
• Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF): A program funded by voluntary contributions of customers and matched dollar for dollar by PECO for up to $1,000 in total assistance for those who qualify.
• Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES): A referral and information service designed to assist customers who have special needs or extenuating circumstances that prevent the payment of their utility bill.

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 532,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. The company’s 2,900 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 is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: 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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