Press Release

PAPUC Chairman DeFrank Leads National Effort to Strengthen Support for Energy Affordability Programs

Published on 2/11/2026

Filed under: Electric Gas

Resolution underscores the role of LIHEAP and other affordability safety-net programs in protecting vulnerable utility consumers

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Steve DeFrank this week helped lead a national discussion on energy affordability at the 2026 Winter Policy Summit of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), culminating in the adoption of a resolution supporting adequate and timely federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The resolution, adopted by the NARUC Board of Directors, urges Congress and the Administration to ensure sustained, predictable funding for LIHEAP — a long-standing federal program that helps vulnerable households manage heating, cooling, and crisis-related energy costs, while supporting weatherization and energy efficiency improvements.

As energy costs rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, state utility regulators across the country have seen growing concerns from consumers struggling to balance utility bills with housing, healthcare, and other essential expenses. The NARUC resolution reflects a shared recognition that affordability programs like LIHEAP remain a critical part of the consumer protection framework relied upon by millions of households nationwide.

“Energy affordability programs like LIHEAP are a vital safety net for households facing difficult choices between keeping the lights on and meeting other basic needs,” said Chairman DeFrank. “For decades, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has strongly supported LIHEAP and other consumer assistance programs because they help protect vulnerable customers — including seniors, families with young children, and individuals with medical needs — during periods of extreme temperatures and economic uncertainty. This resolution reflects a unified national voice from utility regulators who understand that timely, reliable funding for these programs is essential to maintaining safe, affordable, and reliable utility service.”

Chairman DeFrank emphasized that while state commissions do not administer LIHEAP, they routinely see firsthand the role these programs play in preventing service disruptions and supporting coordinated efforts among utilities, state agencies, and community partners.

The resolution calls for annual federal LIHEAP funding of no less than $4.2 billion, advance appropriations to ensure continuity of assistance ahead of peak winter and summer seasons, and full staffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to ensure funds are distributed efficiently and without delay.

Chairman DeFrank and Pennsylvania PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow both serve on the NARUC Board of Directors, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s active role in national discussions focused on consumer protection, affordability, and energy reliability.

Utility affordability remains a top priority for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, which continues to work with stakeholders at the state and national levels to support policies and programs that help consumers maintain access to essential utility services.

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, 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.

# # #

Contact:

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