Peoples Gas works with federal and state officials to pay off heating bills for customers who have low incomes

Rhea-AI Summary

Peoples Gas announced it will clear all past-due balances for qualifying low-income customers, preventing disconnection due to unpaid heating bills. This initiative follows a substantial increase in federal and state funding, totaling $46 million in assistance over the past year. The balances will be settled by the end of June. CEO Charles Matthews emphasized the company's commitment to supporting customers amid rising natural gas prices. In addition to financial aid, Peoples Gas offers flexible payment plans and energy efficiency programs.

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• Clearing past-due balances for low-income customers supports community welfare.
• Secured a total of $46 million in federal and state assistance for heating bills over the past year.

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• None.

CHICAGO, May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Peoples Gas announced today that its customers who applied and qualified for heating assistance over the winter and spring will have all remaining past-due balances cleared and they will not be subject to disconnection. This marks the second straight heating season Peoples Gas customers with low-incomes have had their balances taken care of.

Funding for this important effort comes from a significant increase in federal assistance — that Peoples Gas helped secure — and increased state aid. In total, Peoples Gas customers have now received $46 million in funding for heating assistance over the past year. The customers' past due balances will be cleared before the end of June.

"When a worldwide spike in natural gas prices drove up heating bills across Illinois and the country, we made sure customers having a tough time paying bills had help," said Charles Matthews, president and CEO — Peoples Gas. "We remain committed to helping all our customers now and going forward and ensuring they have the safe and reliable energy they depend on."

In addition to financial assistance, Peoples Gas works closely with customers on flexible payment plans and energy efficiency programs.

Any customer having trouble paying their bills is urged to contact Peoples Gas so they can access all help available to them. Specific information is available on the Peoples Gas mobile app, at peoplesgasdelivery.com, and by calling 866-556-6001.

Peoples Gas, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves more than 878,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the city of Chicago. You can find more information about natural gas safety, energy efficiency and other energy-related topics at peoplesgasdelivery.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @peoplegaschi.

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SOURCE Peoples Gas

FAQ

What assistance is available for low-income customers of WEC?

Peoples Gas is clearing past-due balances for qualifying low-income customers, funded by $46 million in federal and state assistance.

When will the past-due balances be cleared for WEC customers?

The past-due balances will be cleared by the end of June.

How much funding did WEC secure for heating assistance?

WEC secured a total of $46 million in federal and state funding for heating assistance.

What is WEC's commitment regarding customer support?

WEC is committed to helping customers manage their heating bills and offers flexible payment plans and energy efficiency programs.

How can customers of WEC get assistance with their heating bills?

Customers can contact Peoples Gas or visit their mobile app or website for assistance and access to available programs.