High energy prices are straining families across the Commonwealth. Yet many residents who qualify for help never receive it. According to recent data, between 2014 and 2024, only 22% of eligible natural gas customers and 23% of eligible electric customers received assistance each year.
 

The current enrollment process is confusing, repetitive, and difficult to navigate. As a result, households miss out on support programs they qualify for, leading to utility shutoffs that can trigger cascading problems, such as housing instability, health risks, missed school time for children, and long-term financial harm. 

To prevent avoidable shutoffs and strengthen family stability, we will soon introduce legislation—utilizing a new PUC data‑sharing system—that would require public utilities to automatically enroll income eligible customers into utility assistance programs.
 

This legislation will create a secure, statewide process allowing agencies to share verified eligibility data from programs like LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program so that households are enrolled in utility assistance without having to navigate duplicative applications and burdensome red tape. This streamlined process will reduce barriers for eligible households while still maintaining strong privacy and data security protections.
 

Automatic enrollment in utility programs will keep families connected, reduce avoidable shutoffs, lower administrative costs, and ensure assistance reaches Pennsylvanians who need it most. 

Please join me in supporting this commonsense utility reform to protect our most vulnerable residents and help keep the lights on.