Press Release

PUC Submits Comments on 2010 Proposed State LIHEAP Plan in Advance of Hearing to Solicit Comments on Effects of Proposed Changes

Published on 8/31/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) filed comments on the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) proposed 2010 state plan in advance of a special en banc hearing to solicit comments on the effects of changes to the LIHEAP program.

The PUC’s comments address the following areas:

• LIHEAP Crisis funding during traditional public utility company winter moratorium;
• Proposed household income eligibility requirements;
• Proposed maximum and minimum limits for Cash and Crisis grants;
• Proposed changes regarding the use of LIHEAP funds in utility customer assistance programs; and
• The expedited schedule used to finalize the 2010 State Plan.

The changes are proposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW), who administers LIHEAP, which is a federal program that provides energy assistance grants to low-income households who meet income eligibility requirements.

The five PUC Commissioners also will conduct an en banc hearing to solicit comments on the effect of the proposed policy changes to LIHEAP and the impact increasing energy costs will have on customer assistance programs. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 17, 2009, in Hearing Room 1of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg.

The hearing also initiates the PUC’s annual “Prepare Now” campaign to help customers better understand and prepare for winter heating costs. The public is welcome to attend. A Secretarial Letter has been issued with questions the Commission expects to be addressed as part of the testimony. As part of the informal en banc hearing process, the Commissioners will pose questions to speakers after their comments.

A tentative agenda is scheduled to be issued Sept. 4, 2009, and will be available on the Announcements page of the PUC website as it is available.

This marks the seventh winter in which the Commission is urging consumers to “Prepare Now.”  The message is simple: “Prepare Now” for higher energy costs this winter.  Learn about the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights.  Save money by learning how to conserve energy.  Heat your home safely.  Explore budget billing options. Look into programs that help low-income customers restore and maintain service. Visit www.puc.state.pa.us, and click on “Prepare Now” or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2009-2123882

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722