With utility shutoffs set to resume in Philadelphia on April 1, Germantown residents are getting a last‑minute assist. A free Utility & Resource Fair is heading to the neighborhood on Tuesday, March 24, offering face‑time with utility staff and local advocates who can help untangle past‑due bills and paperwork before the lights, gas or water are at risk.
The fair will feature one‑on‑one appointments and on‑site application help so people can line up assistance in advance. Organizers say the event is free and open to all Philadelphia residents.
Event details
The fair runs Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the P4 Hub, 4537 Wayne Ave., Ste. 202. On hand will be representatives from the Philadelphia Water Department, PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Aqua and the Energy Coordinating Agency.
The outreach is part of the PA PUC's Be Utility Wise program and is designed to help customers get ready before utility shutoffs are scheduled to resume on April 1, according to PHILADELPHIA.Today.
How to register
Appointments are free, but organizers ask residents to preregister for a time slot so utility staff can review accounts in advance and make the most of each visit. You can sign up for an appointment on the event's registration page.
What to bring
To keep things moving and avoid repeat trips, organizers encourage attendees to bring:
- Names, birth dates and Social Security numbers for all household members
- Recent utility billing statements
- Proof of gross household income for the last 30 days
- Any shut‑off notice, if one has already been issued
Having those documents ready will speed up applications for assistance and potential grants, as noted by PHILADELPHIA.Today.
Where else to get help
For residents who prefer to start online or need backup after the fair, the Philadelphia Water Department's We Care portal explains payment agreements, the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) and partner grants that can help clear balances; see Philadelphia Water Department.
Local groups such as UESF offer emergency grants, and the Energy Coordinating Agency runs Neighborhood Energy Centers and outreach that help residents apply for LIHEAP, weatherization and other supports. The P4 Hub is a regular community event space listed on the city's DBHIDS events calendar; see DBHIDS.
Space and financial assistance are limited, so organizers recommend registering early and showing up with all requested documents in hand. If you cannot make the fair, partner organizations and city programs maintain online resources and phone lines throughout the year to help customers facing overdue bills and potential shutoffs.
