In their joint letter, PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, Vice Chair Kimberly M. Barrow and Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss expressed their concerns with recent staff reductions in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including staff who administer LIHEAP, and the impact of these staffing reductions on the distribution of remaining program funds for this year.
The commissioners also raised concerns about the future viability of annual LIHEAP funding in light of these changes.
“LIHEAP is a lifeline for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable households, including seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities,” noted Commissioner Zerfuss. “It ensures that these families are able to stay connected to essential utility services—keeping their homes safe and warm, particularly during the harsh winter months. As consumers face increasing financial pressures, it’s critical that we preserve this program to protect their well-being.”
The commissioners emphasized the crucial role LIHEAP plays in enabling income-eligible households to pay energy bills and maintain essential heating services.
They noted that this assistance helps reduce the number of unpaid accounts and arrearages, stabilize utility company revenues, and ultimately reduce the need for rate increases that impact all customers.
Last year, federal LIHEAP funding was instrumental in helping 346,000 Pennsylvania electric and natural gas customers keep their homes warm and safe.
So far this year, LIHEAP has provided over $71 million in aid to Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, with Cash Grants totaling more than $59 million benefiting 208,069 utility customers, and Crisis Grants exceeding $12.5 million to 25,138 utility customers.
The commissioners also pointed out that during the 2023-24 heating season, LIHEAP grants allowed 55,000 electric and natural gas customers to avoid service termination and maintain their utility service.
Additionally, Pennsylvania uses LIHEAP funds to support weatherization and energy-saving upgrades, which contribute to reduced demand on the energy grid and help stabilize energy prices.
Click Here for the PUC announcement.
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[Posted: April 14, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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