After experiencing the coldest January in the past decade, PECO says customers need to take action to manage their bills. In addition to payment arrangements and assistance PECO provides, the company supports customers by connecting them with federal, local, and other funding that may be available to help meet their energy needs.

PECO has enhanced resources available for customers who may be having trouble paying their bill. This includes flexible payment arrangements that offer tailored payment plans, and extending payment periods for balances, where possible. The company also offers programs that can help customers manage their monthly energy bill, including Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period. Also, PECO does not disconnect service for residential customers during the winter months. 

PECO also has a comprehensive suite of energy efficiency programs, providing everything from discounts on products that enhance home efficiency to modern appliances and devices designed to use less energy. These programs have provided nearly half a billion dollars in rebates and incentives to customers since they were established in 2009. Since inception, more than $483 million has been awarded to help customers reduce their energy use, which helps customers save on their energy bills. Information regarding these programs can be found at PECO.

“We are committed to helping every customer connect to available assistance and encourage customers who are struggling to contact PECO to learn about our programs,” said Nicole LeVine, PECO’s Senior Vice President and COO. “The earlier customers reach out, the more we can do to help them through challenging times.”

PECO works hard to keep every customer connected by helping customers secure grants and other support from available energy assistance programs. In 2024 alone, PECO helped more than 135,000 customers secure more than $170 million in energy assistance, including approximately $15 million from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This is valuable funding that helps pay customer energy bills and money that customers do not need to pay back.

“It is important that customers take advantage of and sign up for energy assistance programs. These programs have consistently aided customers in their time of need,” said Alexander Talmadge, Utility Emergency Services Fund Executive Director. “PECO has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to connecting customers to the array of energy assistance programs. We support, acknowledge, and are humbled to be a part of PECO’s longstanding commitment to its customers and connecting them to energy assistance when they need it most.”

PECO works closely with its community partners to connect customers with grants and assistance programs including:

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Provides grants in varying amounts based on a household’s income size, type of fuel, and type of dwelling, with no pay back required. Customers can apply for LIHEAP energy assistance at PECO or by calling 1-800-34-HELP4.
• Customer Assistance Program (CAP) – A Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) that provides income-eligible customers with a fixed monthly bill so they can rely on and plan for a consistent bill amount from PECO every month.
• Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) – Provides year-round conservation and weatherization assistance to qualified households.
• ­Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF) – Funded by citizen voluntary contributions, which are matched dollar for dollar by PECO. The fund provides up to $1,250 per customer in total assistance for those who qualify.
• ­Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Services (CARES) – A referral and information service designed to assist customers with temporary, personal, or financial hardships that prevent the payment of their utility bill.
• Small Business Gas Grant Program: Beginning January 2025, small business customers are eligible to apply for a one-time grant of $200 to be used toward their outstanding PECO natural gas bill. The program will aid local small businesses with awards of $450,000 in grants. This program is on a first-come, first-considered basis and eligible applicants should apply now at PECO.

Customers can contact PECO at 800-494-4000 to discuss payment arrangements or visit PECO to learn more about their bill, energy assistance programs, and more.