HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said he has introduced House Bill 285 to protect citizens suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses from utility shutoffs.
“My measure would give utility customers suffering from serious illnesses a respite from looming service shutoffs,” said George, Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “House Bill 285 enables a licensed physician or nurse practitioner to certify that a serious medical condition exists and utility service cannot be terminated for up to 90 days.”
George said that under current regulations, seriously ill utility customers are forced to obtain medical certificates every 30 days.
“It is cruel to ask someone suffering from a catastrophic medical condition to jump through bureaucratic hoops every month just to keep the heat on in their homes,” said George, who noted that vast areas of the commonwealth are considered medically underserved.
“More than 19,700 Pennsylvanians entered this winter without heat-related utility service or were using potentially unsafe heating methods,” George said. “Protecting the most medically vulnerable will return a measure of compassion to our utility regulations.”
Most utilities are required to offer customer-assistance programs to help low-income customers pay discounted utility bills. Customers unable to reach an agreement with a utility should call the state Public Utility Commission toll free at 800 692-7380.
George, who is drafting legislation that would enable about $20 million in state funding to be tapped for heating assistance during weather and energy emergencies, noted that March 22 is the deadline to apply for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program – LIHEAP – grants.
Applications and information are available at county assistance offices or online at A toll-free hotline — 866 857-7095 — is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Mondays through Fridays for LIHEAP questions.
An individual earning up to $14,700 annually is eligible — add $5,100 for each additional family member — for LIHEAP cash grants of $100 or more to help pay heating bills and crisis grants of up to $300 for heating emergencies.
