As record-high summer temperatures drive up energy demand—and energy bills—United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ) is proud to partner with PECO to administer the PECO Customer Relief Fund, a $10 million initiative to help local families stay safe, stable, and supported this season.
The Customer Relief Fund, supported by Exelon (PECO’s parent company), will provide one-time $500 bill credits to eligible customers facing financial hardship due to increased energy supply costs. Administered by United Way, the program officially opens for applications on August 4 at peco.com/Relief.
“United Way knows who needs help and how to get it to them,” said David Vahos, PECO President and CEO. “This partnership allows us to reach those struggling with high energy costs and deliver real, immediate relief.”
Why United Way?
United Way’s track record as the go-to regional partner for bold, multi-sector initiatives that deliver urgent help while building toward long-term stability made us a natural partner for this effort. As the trusted convener of cross-sector coalitions—and an organization deeply embedded in the neighborhoods it serves through our partners—United Way brings both scale and strategy to this critical effort.
“Our mission is to fight poverty and expand opportunity for every person in every community we serve,” said Bill Golderer, President and CEO of UWGPSNJ. “This partnership with PECO means families working hard but falling behind will get the relief they need now—and the connection to resources that can support lasting change.”
How the Program Works
Starting August 4, residential PECO customers can apply online for one-time bill assistance. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be in arrears on their PECO bill
- Have a household income between 151% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (For example, a family of four earning up to $95,000 may qualify)
Once approved, a $500 credit will be applied directly to the customer’s PECO bill. This program is especially important for moderate-income families—those who don’t qualify for existing assistance but are still feeling the squeeze of rising costs.
A Community Effort
United Way is proud to work with eight community partners across the region to connect families to this vital support. These organizations bring deep local expertise and trusted relationships to ensure resources reach those most in need:
- ACLAMO
- Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia
- Campaign for Working Families
- Community Action Agency of Delaware County
- Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance
- Open Hearth
- United Way Bucks County
- YWCA Tri-County Area
These partners will support outreach, application assistance, and follow-up to ensure language and digital barriers don’t prevent eligible households from participating.
Relief for Today—and a Path Forward
The PECO Customer Relief Fund complements PECO’s existing portfolio of energy assistance programs, including LIHEAP, the Customer Assistance Program (CAP), and the Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF).
But this fund goes a step further—meeting the needs of customers who fall between the cracks of traditional programs, while keeping the focus on long-term economic stability.
“We are proud to bring together public, private, and nonprofit leaders to make a difference today—and build momentum toward a more equitable future,” said Golderer.
Read the full press release here, and to apply or learn more, visit peco.com/Relief.