With customers potentially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, PECO  is taking steps to help it said on Friday.

PECO is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges through at least May 1, 2020 a company spokesperson said 

Additionally PECO will continue to remind customers of existing bill assistance resources and energy assistance programs to support them through temporary or extended financial hardship while COVID-19 concerns continue. 

“We are committed to helping every customer through difficult times, and we know there will be many challenges associated with this pandemic,” said Mike Innocenzo, PECO president and CEO. “We are taking important steps to support our customers and communities throughout this time of uncertainty. PECO remains committed to delivering safe and reliable electric and natural gas service to our customers in the communities we serve.”

Customers who may be challenged to pay their energy bill or have a disconnect notice should contact PECO Customer Care as soon as possible at 1-800-494-4000, a company spokesperson said. 

PECO will work closely with customers to waive late payment fees, avoid having their service shut off, and determine eligibility for assistance programs also. 

In ad the company offers payment options, like budget billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible arrangements offering  individually tailored payment installment plans.

Throughout the year, PECO offers many other programs to help customers manage their energy costs and save money. Existing assistance programs include:

Customer Assistance Program (CAP): This program provides a 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 hardship 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.
Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): A program that provides year-round conservation and weatherization assistance for qualified households.

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.

To ensure customers receive the most up-to-date information from PECO, they are encouraged to register for “My Account,” an easy, online interactive tool that provides customers with the ability to set alerts and provide important contact information. Sign up at peco.com/myaccount.

PECO customers who are not eligible for low- and fixed-income assistance but are having trouble managing their energy costs should also consider taking advantage of PECO’s Gift of Energy program, which allows anyone to make a payment towards a friend or family member’s energy bill. The gift will appear on a future bill as a credit to the recipient’s account.

Customers can visit peco.com/help and peco.com/gift for more information about these programs from the energy and gas company.