The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public utility customers by ensuring the continuation of essential consumer safeguards. This action reflects the Commission’s dedication to fairness, consistency, and reliability for Pennsylvania’s 13 million residents and public utilities as the Commonwealth anticipates the sunset of Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code on December 31, 2024.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to approve a motion from PUC Chair Stephen M. DeFrank, adopting a Statement of Policy that provides clear guidance for consumers and utilities through the winter heating season and beyond. This proactive measure ensures stability until the General Assembly has the opportunity to revisit Chapter 14 in 2025.

“Maintaining these vital safeguards and our existing regulatory framework underscores our mission to ensure just and reasonable access to utility services,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “By taking this step, we are avoiding unnecessary disruptions and instead are fostering fair outcomes for consumers and utilities alike.”

Maintaining Key Consumer Safeguards

The Commission’s decision reaffirms that existing standards and billing practices will remain in effect, backed by longstanding statutory authority. Among other things, the Statement of Policy confirms the continuation of guidelines critical to payment arrangements, dispute resolution, and protections against service termination.

Key safeguards include:

• Winter Moratorium: The prohibition on utility terminations during the coldest months for qualifying households continues as a critical lifeline.
• Payment Arrangements: The current tiered system for payment arrangements based on household income will continue to provide fairness for consumers facing financial challenges.
• Medical Certification Protections: Safeguards for customers with serious health conditions, allowing temporary relief from termination, remain intact.
• Protections for Domestic Violence Victims: Utilities will continue to have written procedures and standards that help to protect customers who are victims of domestic violence and have a Protection from Abuse order issued by the courts.
• Customer Notification and Termination Guidelines: Utilities will continue adhering to requirements for notifying customers about potential terminations, while terminations will remain prohibited on Fridays, the day before a holiday, or in other situations where consumers would be unable to arrange for service restoration the following day.
• Protections Against Discrimination: The PUC will enforce fair treatment and equitable service provisions across all customer groups.

This action comes ahead of the December 31, 2024, expiration of Chapter 14, which was originally enacted in 2004 and reauthorized in 2014 to enhance the timely payment of utility bills while ensuring equitable access to services.

The PUC’s Statement of Policy affirms that final orders issued under Chapter 14, along with the provisions in Chapter 56, will remain enforceable, ensuring uninterrupted application of critical consumer protections.

“We understand the importance of these protections to Pennsylvanians and remain committed to balancing the needs of consumers and utilities,” said Chairman DeFrank. “Our actions today provide clarity and stability as lawmakers deliberate the future of Chapter 14.”

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.