Residents can get assistance before shutoffs resume next month

Philadelphia residents struggling with unpaid utility bills can get help before shutoffs resume in May. The Philadelphia Water Department is hosting Utility Fairs from mid-April to late May to provide one-on-one assistance with electric, gas, and water bills all in one event.

The Philadelphia Water Department Utility Fairs are designed to provide personalized assistance to residents in need, helping them navigate the available assistance programs and find a customer assistance plan that suits their specific needs. Utility Fairs are offered in both virtual and in-person in 20-minute appointments.

Virtual Utility Fairs are scheduled every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24, and May 31. Upon signing up for an appointment, participants will receive a Zoom link and passcode to join the virtual event.

An in-person event will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries located at 1939 W. Venango St, Philadelphia, PA 19140.

What to Bring

Residents should bring the following documents:

• Photo ID
• Current proof of residence
• Current proof of income for everyone in your household over 18 (last 30 days)
• Most recent utility bills

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher