BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As the record-breaking federal shutdown drags on, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvanians relying on a low-income assistance program for utility payments won't lose power or heat this month.
At the urging of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, utility companies across the state have agreed to begin their moratorium on service cuts to the beginning of this month.
The moratorium usually begins in December when the winter cold typically sets in.
That means customers who receive utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, won't have their gas or electricity shut off.
Funding for that program has been delayed by the federal shutdown in Washington.
In a statement, Shapiro blamed Republicans in Washington for failing to reopen the government and restart LIHEAP and other critical funding sources.
In addition to LIHEAP, air travelers have found their flights delayed or rescheduled as air traffic controllers have called out due to not receiving pay. SNAP recipients have also seen their benefits delayed despite a federal judge ordering the Trump administration to restore funding to the program.
"My administration will continue to protect the people of Pennsylvania and ensure our seniors and families can keep their homes safe and warm this winter," Shapiro said in a prepared statement.
Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, have pinned blame for the shutdown on Senate Democrats.
While Republicans hold the majority, they need at least some Democratic support to pass a continuing resolution that would reopen the government. Democrats have refused to budge, however, unless Republicans agree to extend tax breaks for people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act. Without an extension, premiums for the federal health insurance program could increase by 114% in January.
LIHEAP is open to households that earn less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), or 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). More than 300,000 customers in Pennsylvania signed up for LIHEAP last year; it is available for all utilities. Due to the federal shutdown, LIHEAP applications for 2025-26 have been delayed into December.
The early moratorium comes at a time of climbing energy costs, and the cost of living has become a central issue in American politics. Energy costs in recent years have outpaced inflation, stretching household budgets at a time when they may already be thin.
While most Lehigh Valley households may not be eligible for LIHEAP, UGI, Met-Edand PPL offer other utility bill assistance programs.
Representatives from the three utility companies encouraged customers to visit their websites to learn more about their support programs. Available options assist households dealing with a job loss, health crises and drafty homes, for example.
"We really want our customers to know that help is available now. We encourage anyone struggling to reach us now before their situation becomes critical," said Dana Burns, director of communications at PPL Electric Utilities Pennsylvania.
