Highlighted Projects

PULP is currently engaged in numerous consumer-focused activities, including those listed below. If you would like further information about any of these matters, we welcome you to contact us.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 2008-2009

Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) administers the LIHEAP program, a federally funded program that helps low-income clients to heat their residence over the cold weather months.

PULP has submitted comments on the Proposed State Plan for Fiscal Year 2009 to DPW. Proposed changes to the LIHEAP Plan include the addition of a pilot discount oil program; modification in the calculation of gross annual income; and redefining “crisis” for households heating with heating fuel. This year’s program is expected to open in early November 2008.

Information about LIHEAP can be obtained by referring to the DPW, Web site, or by contacting PULP, your local county assistance office, or your utility company.

Chapter 56 Rulemaking Process

Chapter 56 of Title 52 of the Pennsylvania Code contains regulations governing how regulated public utility companies conduct residential billing. Chapter 56 has been a model of progressive utility regulation for more than a decade, with states from across the country using it to shape their own regulations.

PULP is representing the interests of low-income, residential utility customers in current proceedings (Docket No. L-00060182) that are aimed at modifying and improving Chapter 56 regulations.

Universal Service Programs Funding Rulemaking

Pennsylvania law requires public utilities to operate universal service programs to help low-income and lower income Pennsylvanians access and maintain essential utility service.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, at Dockets No. M-00072036 and No. L-00070186, is currently amending its policies and rules for how these programs are funded and for how they will be designed and operated by utilities. PULP is representing the interests of low-income, residential utility customers in this proceeding.

Energy Legislation & Chapter 14

On December 14, 2004, Governor Rendell signed into law Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code, known as the “Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act.”
This law, frequently called “Chapter 14,” has had significant, unintended negative effects, including:

• increased termination levels for low-income families
• increased numbers of families going into the winter months without a safe heating source
• increased difficulty for families who have lost utility service to be able to afford restoration of this service
  

PULP works continually to educate the public and policymakers about the negative impacts of Chapter 14, and advocates ways to improve the law.