Hi there,  

Pennsylvania families are paying more and more for their electricity and utilities — and gaps in Pennsylvania laws are partially why utilities are gouging us. 

Right now, vague rules allow the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to favor corporations over people. It’s one reason monopoly utility companies have been able to raise rates again and again while families struggle to keep up. 

That needs to change.

The “Requiring Consideration of the Public Interest in PUC Proceedings” bill (HB 2184) would fix the current law by setting commonsense rules the PUC must follow before making decisions. 

The bill is on the list for committee passage. But if we’re going to move it before lawmakers shift all their attention to the state budget, we need people across Pennsylvania to speak up now. 

Please be part of this, today. Tell your lawmakers to put a commonsense fix in place that will make sure the PUC puts people ahead of utility profits.   

No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and paying for groceries. 

But too many Pennsylvanians are being forced to make impossible choices because utility costs keep rising while the system keeps failing working families. 

The good news is we can fix it. 

HB 2184 would help stop automatic approvals of utility rate hikes by requiring the Pennsylvania Utility Commission to:

• Look at whether folks are able to afford their utility bills in the first place
• Consider if utilities have a plan to protect our air, water, and land from pollution
• Make sure utilities are doing everything they can to save energy and reduce waste before looking to expand

Decisions on what utilities can charge should work for the public — not just utility companies. 

Changing how things work is possible if we come together and get loud enough. Send a message to your representative urging them to fix PA’s law and help stop price gouging by utilities.  

Members like you have helped pass over a dozen pro-environment bills in just the last few months. I know we can do it again with your help. 

Thank you,

Katie Blume
Political and Legislative Director
Conservation Voters of PA