Legislative Session Ends Without Reauthorizing Critical Utility Protections
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers concluded their session without renewing Chapter 14, a pivotal consumer protection law established two decades ago that prevents utility disconnections for low-income customers during winter months. While consumer advocates assert that existing regulations from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) mitigate potential disconnections, they express disappointment that the legislature failed to adopt stronger protections amid soaring energy prices.
Terry Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, voiced concern over the inaction, emphasizing that Chapter 14 provided essential stability in utility billing standards. The law, which expires Dec. 31, set specific repayment timelines for customers behind on bills, depending on income levels. Once it lapses, the PUC will have discretion over repayment plans, which may lead to uncertainty for vulnerable consumers.
Originally passed in 2004, Chapter 14 aimed to streamline utility collections while safeguarding consumer rights. It requires companies to notify customers before shutting off utilities and allows low-income individuals to prevent disconnection through medical documentation. However, it has also been criticized for imposing added fees on low-income households.
State Rep. Rob Matzie (D., Beaver) had advocated for new protections, such as a summer moratorium on shutoffs, but the legislature could not align on these measures. Although a more modest bill aiming to eliminate reconnection fees gained traction, it ultimately faltered.
Republican legislators, such as Rep. Craig Williams, argue that enhanced protections could inflate utility costs for consumers statewide. The PUC remains hopeful for a resolution upon the session’s reconvening on Jan. 7, stressing the importance of regulatory consistency during the Chapter 14 lapse.
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