FAQS
Thank you for your feedback. Everyone’s questions, concerns and statements are very important to this process.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, will employees receive a cash payout from the U.S. government?
The U.S. Congress and White House are negotiating an Assistance Plan that may include cash payments. We will keep you updated as we get more information.
How are the utilities responding to the Pandemic?
PECO has announced:
- PECO is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges through at least May 1, 2020. In addition, PECO will continue to remind customers of existing bill assistance resources and energy assistance programs to support them through temporary or extended financial hardship.
- For the protection of our employees, customers, and communities we are following social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and temporarily closing our Customer Solutions Center located at 2301 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. Customers will still have a variety of bill payment options. For more information, visit peco.com/payment.
- During this time, it is essential that each of us practice simple, preventative measures as recommended by public health authorities. We have instituted remote working procedures for our employees and advised them of personal hygiene and social distancing techniques.
- It is possible that our field personnel may be required to wear additional protective equipment, such as masks, gloves or goggles, while performing work at homes and in communities. We ask that you practice social distancing if a PECO employee needs to enter your home, by maintaining at least six feet between yourself and our employees. Likewise, our employees will practice social distancing as a preventative measure for you. Also, if you have a service appointment at your home or business, and are ill, please contact us so we can reschedule or take appropriate measures.
- We will continue to support customers with PECO energy assistance programs. Customers who may be challenged to pay their energy bill or have a disconnect notice should contact PECO Customer Care at 1-800-494-4000. PECO will work closely with customers to waive late payment fees, avoid having their service shut off, and determine eligibility for assistance programs. Customers can visit peco.com/help to learn more about customer assistance programs. PECO’s Gift of Energy program allows anyone to make a payment towards a friend or family member’s energy bill. Visit peco.com/gift to learn more.
Philadelphia Gas Works has announced:
- PGW is suspending non-payment terminations and plans to waive new late payment charges. This termination moratorium will remain in place until further notice. Please note that regular billing will continue for all customers. Visit PGW website for more information https://www.pgworks.com/residential/covid-19
Philadelphia Water Department has announced:
- Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 PWD and the Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) will work together to restore water service to all delinquent residential and commercial customers through Friday, May 15 and the restoration fee will be waived.
In addition, we will not shut off water service for delinquent residential and commercial accounts through May 15.
Residential customers who have been shut off for meter non-compliance will also have their water service restored until May 15.
Customers that have been shut off for not repairing defects in their private plumbing will still need to make the necessary repairs to have their water restored.
Philadelphia Water Department will provide updates as necessary on their website, www.phila.gov/water
Will employees be eligible for Unemployment in Pennsylvania?
Employees may be eligible if:
- Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19
- Your employer reduces your hours because of COVID-19
- You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might get or spread COVID-19
- You have been told to quarantine or self-isolate, or live/work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts. Visit Office of Employment Compensation’s website https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx
Voter Registration and Voting Information
Pennsylvania’s Primary Election is still scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2020. However, for the first time you may request a mail-in ballot and return it on election day. You must request a mail-in ballot by Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Before you can vote by mail-in ballot, absentee ballot or in person, you must register to vote by Monday, April 13, 2020. You may register to vote on-line, by mail or in person.
For more information about voter registration and voting, please visit the State website, https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/default.aspx .
Will the Census Counting process continue?
- Yes, on March 12th households received the first of several invitations to participate in the 2020 Census and will end on March 20th.
- The Census Bureau is encouraging everyone to respond online. It’s fast and easy and the instructions are included in the mailed form.
- Some households—in areas less likely to respond online—will receive a paper questionnaire in the first mailing; all households that have not responded online or by phone will receive a paper questionnaire between April 8 and April 16. The paper questionnaire includes a prepaid postage envelope to return it by mail. Visit United States Census Bureau’s website for updated information https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/statement-coronavirus.html
Is there a Coronavirus Helpline available?
Yes, Greater Philadelphia Area Coronavirus Helpline 800-722-7112. This toll-free number might be of interest to you and your employees who have questions.
