Out in the Cold?

When lawmakers drop the ball on utility protections.

A key consumer protection law in Pennsylvania, known as Chapter 14, expired on December 31 because state lawmakers couldn’t agree on how to replace it. The result? A lot of questions—and concerns—about what happens next for Pennsylvanians who struggle to pay their utility bills.

For the past 20 years, Chapter 14 has protected low-income households from utility shutoffs during the cold winter months. It also laid out clear rules for repaying overdue bills and gave utility companies certain billing rights.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

The good news? Advocates say the Public Utility Commission (PUC)—the group that oversees utilities in Pennsylvania—has already built many of Chapter 14’s protections into its own rules. But there’s a big difference between enforceable laws and organizational policies.

While no one’s heat suddenly cut off on January 1 for being behind on payments, this decision is now at the Commission’s discretion, as opposed to a legal right for customers. Advocates also say lawmakers missed a big chance to strengthen protections for families struggling with rising energy costs.

“We’re not expecting mass disconnections,” said Joline Price, a utility attorney with Community Legal Services. “But we could’ve done so much more to help people who are struggling.”

BALANCING ACT: CONSUMERS VS. UTILITY COMPANIES

Chapter 14 originally aimed to protect both consumers and utility companies. It required utility providers to give advance warning before shutoffs and banned them from cutting off service for low-income customers during winter (December 1 to March 31). On the flip side, it also made it easier for companies to collect unpaid bills.

But critics say the law often made life harder for people who were already struggling. For example: Companies could charge extra fees and deposits to low-income customers who are behind on payments. The law also allowed utilities to hold one person responsible for someone else’s unpaid bill, even if they’d moved out.

WHY THE DELAY?

Every 10 years, lawmakers need to renew Chapter 14; this process was smooth sailing in the past. But this year, the Democratic-controlled state House and Republican-led Senate couldn’t agree on how much to tweak the law.

Democrats wanted to expand protections for families hit hardest by high energy costs. Their proposals included a summer shutoff ban and longer repayment plans for households making up to three times the federal poverty level.

Republicans favored sticking to the basics of the original law, saying too many changes could lead to higher utility rates for everyone. However, it also included a few business-friendly measures, such as shortening the time a doctor’s note can help a person avoid a shutoff from 90 to 60 days. State Rep. Craig Williams (R., Delaware) put it bluntly: “If companies can’t collect unpaid bills, they’ll pass those costs onto all of us.”

The two sides tried to find a middle ground, but as Rep. Rob Matzie (D., Beaver) said, “The reauthorization push kind of just died.”

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

The legislature doesn’t return to work until January 7, but the PUC has promised to step in. A spokesperson said the commission will “take every reasonable effort to maintain regulatory consistency” during the gap.

Consumer advocates are hopeful lawmakers will tackle this issue in the new year, but they want stronger protections. Some priorities include expanding the list of professionals who can sign medical shutoff exemptions and making repayment plans more accessible for people in debt.

In the meantime, utility companies say they’re frustrated by the uncertainty. “This law provided stability,” said Terry Fitzpatrick, head of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (a trade group representing electric and gas utility companies). “Its expiration leaves a lot of questions unanswered.”

BOTTOM LINE FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD

Your utilities are secure as the PUC continues to enforce the current rules, including Pennsylvania’s winter shutoff moratorium.

If you’re struggling with energy bills or want to be better informed about your options, contact the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (see below). They provide free guidance to help households navigate utility issues and advocate for their rights.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

The PA Utility Law Project (PULP) plays a crucial role in assisting households facing utility challenges. PULP helps protect customers from disconnections and connects them to critical programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides financial aid for heating costs and preventing shutoffs.

What PULP Does:

• Legal Advocacy: PULP helps customers understand their rights and advocates against unjust shutoffs or unfair utility practices.
• Education and Outreach: The organization provides workshops and materials to educate consumers about navigating utility-related issues.
• Direct Assistance: PULP connects customers with critical resources, including crisis assistance, hardship funds, and energy efficiency resources.

For more information and assistance, PULP’s website has a ton of resources, including tabs to assess your need, connect with help, and even share your story. You can also reach them at pulp@pautilitylawproject.org or their hotline at 844-645-2500.

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