Cold weather (Credit: LevittownNow)
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has secured agreements from the state’s utility companies to delay shutting off heat and electricity for federally eligible low-income residents throughout November.
The move, which was coordinated with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), protects Pennsylvanians who rely on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The program’s start was pushed back from Nov. 3 to Dec. 3 because of the federal funding delay, Shapiro’s office said.
The agreement is intended to bridge the gap before the state’s regular winter moratorium on utility shutoffs begins in December.
Approximately 300,000 Pennsylvania families annually depend on LIHEAP, which is typically funded with more than $215 million in federal dollars.
Shapiro, a Democrat, recently signed a disaster emergency declaration, warning that the prolonged federal shutdown would create hardships like the loss of essential LIHEAP support.
“My administration is once again stepping up to protect Pennsylvanians from the federal government’s inaction,” Shapiro said. “Republicans in Washington have been unable to reopen the federal government, leading to real consequences here in Pennsylvania… My Administration reached out to Pennsylvania’s utility companies and got them to agree to keep the power on for our neighbors.”
The PUC had previously sent a letter to utility CEOs urging flexibility for customers dependent on LIHEAP benefits.
“We’re grateful for Governor Shapiro’s leadership and hands-on engagement with these critical issues,” PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank said. “Together, we’re showing that Pennsylvania can lead the nation by turning collaboration into action.
The agreement provides relief for customers of regulated electric and gas utilities.
“Protecting Pennsylvanians is paramount,” said PUC Commissioner Katie Zerfuss.
While the state’s regular winter shutoff moratorium runs from Dec. 1 through March 31, it applies only to customers at or below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and does not cancel outstanding bills.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is still processing already-received preseason applications for LIHEAP, but payments will be on hold until federal funding is released to Pennsylvania.
Many utilities companies offer assistance programs to customers who might be impacted by shut offs.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org to help find resources. Local help is also available by calling 2-1-1 or visiting pa211.org.
