PHILADELPHIA — Members of the Philadelphia legislative delegation are urging the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to guarantee that no city residents lose heat or essential utility services while the federal government shutdown continues.
At a press event titled “No Shutoffs During the Shutdown,” state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Morgan Cephas, Jordan Harris, Danilo Burgos, and other members of the Philadelphia House Delegation joined City Councilmember Mike Driscoll in calling for an immediate halt to heating terminations. Lawmakers say this step is critical as thousands of families face delays in receiving federal energy assistance.
LIHEAP Delay Leaves Families in Limbo
At the heart of the issue is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that helps households afford heating costs during the winter. Because of the shutdown, Pennsylvania’s 2025–26 LIHEAP season — which was supposed to open in early November — has been delayed until December 3.
That delay leaves a full month when many families will receive no new assistance, just as temperatures begin to fall. In 2024 alone, more than 15,000 emergency grants were issued in November to stop heating shutoffs across Pennsylvania.
Without LIHEAP in place, many residents who depend on the program could face service disconnections, especially low-income families, furloughed federal workers, and others struggling to keep up with bills during the shutdown.
Lawmakers’ Demands
The delegation is calling on the PUC to:
Direct utilities to halt all heat-related shutoffs during the shutdown and until LIHEAP funding resumes. Urge providers — including PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), and the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) — to suspend terminations, late fees, and offer flexible payment plans. Coordinate with state and local agencies to ensure residents are informed about available assistance once LIHEAP reopens.
Lawmakers argue that a clear “no-shutoff” policy would prevent unnecessary emergencies, reduce pressure on shelters and hospitals, and allow families time to apply for aid once programs restart.
PUC and Utilities Respond
The PUC and Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration have announced that Pennsylvania utilities have agreed not to terminate service this month for LIHEAP-eligible customers affected by the funding delay. This policy effectively extends protection until the state’s annual winter shutoff moratorium begins in December.
The PUC has also said it is working closely with utilities to ensure that essential heating services remain connected during the funding gap.
Despite these assurances, lawmakers are pushing for stronger, formal commitments to ensure no one loses heat or water service due to the shutdown, particularly those who have not yet applied or been approved for LIHEAP.
Winter Protections and the November Gap
Pennsylvania law already prohibits shutoffs for low-income customers during the coldest months, typically from December 1 through March 31. However, with the federal funding delay, the month of November has become a critical gap period.
As temperatures continue to drop, legislators warn that the timing could leave vulnerable residents exposed to both financial strain and freezing conditions.
What Residents Can Do
Residents who are worried about heating bills are encouraged to:
Contact their utility company immediately to discuss payment options or medical certifications. Gather necessary documents to prepare for LIHEAP applications once the program opens in December. Explore local and state assistance programs that may offer emergency relief in the meantime.
More than 300,000 Pennsylvania families rely on LIHEAP each winter. Philadelphia lawmakers say they will continue to press for stronger protections to ensure that no family is left without heat or essential utilities during the shutdown
