Charities in Pennsylvania that Help People Pay Bills

In a tough economy, rising energy costs can take a toll on household finances. If you are a Pennsylvania resident having difficulty paying your utility bills--gas, electric, oil--there is help. There are numerous agencies across the state that can help Pennsylvania residents pay their utility bills. Utility companies also partner with these funding agencies to offer help to their customers when bills become overdue and unmanageable.

You may want to consider the following four organizations:

The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO)
CEO was founded in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. in 1965 as a community organization aimed at alleviating poverty. CEO offers more than 20 programs, most notably the Weinberg Food Bank. Although the food bank is one of the better known initiatives, CEO also helps local residents with bills, including emergency mortgage assistance and utility customer assistance. CEO works with electric and gas customers of companies such as PPL and UGI.

Energy Coordinating Agency
The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) offers help with utility bills to those in need. The ECA, among many other programs, participates in the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP helps low income families pay heating bills through energy assistance grants, negotiating bills with utility companies and referring to other bill payment programs. ECA also provides weatherization help and energy education to help clients continue to save on energy bills.

PA Power Switch
PA Power Switch is a charitable initiative offered by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and offers a number of programs to state residents. The Consumer Assistance Program, for example, is an alternative to traditional collection methods for those behind on their utility bills. Through this program, eligible households can agree to make regular monthly payments based on their income; sometimes those who pay on time are rewarded with a reduction in amount owed. PA Power Switch also offers the Hardship Funds program that provides cash assistance to utility customers that have a critical need, but do not qualify for other programs.

Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Gas Works, commonly referred to as PGW, offers its natural gas customers several assistance programs. These programs are available in conjunction with PGW's partnership with several state and federal charitable agencies including LIHEAP, a low income energy bill assistance program in Pennsylvania. On the federal side, PGW customers may be eligible for a CRISIS Grant, which is designed to help people prevent a shut off. Another federal grant program is the Utility Emergency Services Fund, or UESF, which provides grants up to $1,500 to help customers pay the balance of their bills.