Press Release

PUC Supports a Common Application Form to Break Down Barriers to Essential Public Utility Assistance for Eligible Families

Published on 8/23/2024

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

New Streamlined Process Aims to Cut Red Tape for Accessing Public Utility Assistance Programs

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took a significant step forward in its ongoing efforts to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of public utility universal service programs across the Commonwealth.  By supporting the establishment of a “Common Application Form” (CAF), the PUC aims to streamline the process for income-eligible customers to apply for and recertify in multiple public utility assistance programs—reducing the burden on eligible households.

The Commission voted 5-0 to support the future development of a statewide CAF among all energy, water, and wastewater public utilities, a move that is expected to simplify the application process, reduce administrative hurdles, and expand access to crucial support services for struggling families.  The CAF, a key recommendation of the PUC’s Universal Service Working Group, is designed to enable income-eligible customers to apply and recertify for multiple programs simultaneously, without duplicating efforts or documentation.

"Through the dedicated efforts and collaboration within the Commission’s Universal Service Working Group—including PUC staff, utilities, advocates, and other key stakeholders—we have developed a framework for a comprehensive Common Application Form,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank, who issued a joint statement on the matter with Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss.

"This unified approach encourages public utilities to collect the same essential information from customers, significantly simplifying the process and making it easier for families in need to access the support they are eligible for,” DeFrank added.  "We strongly encourage public utilities to integrate this framework into both their paper and online application systems without delay."

Commissioner Zerfuss highlighted the broader impact of the CAF, stating, "Today represents a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand the reach of utility assistance programs.  This initiative is crucial for helping eligible Pennsylvania families keep their homes safe, warm, and well-lit.  By making the CAF available in multiple languages, we would break down language barriers and ensure that all households can access the vital assistance they need."

The Commissioners strongly urged jurisdictional public utilities (electric, natural gas and water/wastewater) to begin taking steps to modify their existing universal service or assistance application forms consistent with the CAF framework recommended in today’s order.

Universal Service Working Group

The PUC’s Universal Service Working Group (USWG) was tasked with discussing the development of a CAF following a Secretarial Letter issued on Aug. 22, 2023. The goal was to create a form that could be used by all jurisdictional fixed public utilities to streamline the enrollment and recertification process for eligible customers in various universal service programs, including energy utility assistance programs, low-income usage reduction programs, and hardship fund programs.  Today, the PUC requested that public utilities begin using the consensus data elements recommended by the USWG Common Application Subgroup.  The PUC may consider the final design, use, and safety protocols of a statewide CAF in a future rulemaking based on input from stakeholders.

This initiative is part of the PUC’s broader effort to help eligible Pennsylvanians access the support they need without unnecessary barriers, aligning with the goals of the Universal Service Working Group to maximize cost efficiencies while expanding the reach of these critical programs.

Today’s recommendation is the second significant achievement of the PUC’s Universal Service Working Group.  In June, the Commission encouraged electric and natural gas utilities to participate in the data sharing process established through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which will begin in Fall 2024.  This collaboration between DHS and public utilities is intended to further streamline the energy assistance application process and increase enrollment in public utility assistance programs.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No. M-2023-3038944

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov