CANONSBURG — Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures, and Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania took an innovative approach to educate more than 60 state legislators, county commissioners and social service agency representatives about the many customer assistance programs available from the company.

Columbia Gas representatives hosted a virtual town hall on Sept. 22, and participants learned how their constituents and clients can make the most of these programs and resources. Company representatives also provided an overview of payment options and an update on policy initiatives at the state level related to customer assistance during the pandemic.

“The virtual town hall was a great use of technology during the pandemic to safely communicate vital information about our customer programs to social service agency representatives and elected officials to share with their clients and constituents who may be facing hardships during these uncertain times,” said Deb Davis, manager of Universal Services for Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania. “As a natural gas utility, we can connect customers to an array of programs and resources, from energy efficiency to financial assistance, to ensure they stay safe and warm.”

During the town hall, participants learned about the key programs offered by the company to assist eligible customers including the Customer Assistance Program (CAP); Customers Assistance Referral & Evaluation Services (CARES); Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Emergency Repair Program (ERP) and the Security Deposit Assistance Fund (SDAF).

Participants also learned about Columbia Gas’ WarmWise energy-saving programs, which includes the WarmWise Low-Income Usage Reduction Program and WarmWise Audits & Rebates, which offers a free home energy audit, a custom energy-efficiency plan and rebates up to $1,800 for energy-efficiency measures taken.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia Gas has suspended disconnections and late payment fees until further notice and has offered residential and commercial customers who have been impacted or are having hardships during the pandemic its most flexible payments, which customers can enroll in online.