This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about issues relating to Utilities in Pennsylvania.
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
I Need Help Affording My Utility Bill. What Can I Do?
Information from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project about resources and options available to you if you are having difficulty paying your utility bills.
Landlord’s Interference With a Tenant’s Right to Utility Service
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on a Tenant's rights regarding utility service in a rented residence. [PDF] (June 2011)
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
400 North Street Keystone Building Harrisburg, PA 17120
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Tenants Rights and Protections Against Utility Shut-Offs (Video)
The information in this video discussing tenants' rights and protections against utility shutoffs was developed using materials produced by The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP).
Utility Rights and Protections for Tenants
Information from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project about the rights of tenants to utility service, regardless of whether the service is included in your rent or whether you have the utility in your own name.
Utility Shut-Offs
If you receive notice that your utilities will be shut off, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. It is more difficult to get service turned back on after shut off. No matter who is responsible to pay for the utilities, a utility company follow certain procedures. This guide from the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania provides information on the process and what you can do to prevent the shut off or to restore service after a shut off.
What Every Utility Customer Should Know
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for utility customers
Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) Hotline
The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) provides information, assistance, and advice about residential utility and energy matters affecting low-income consumers. The project helps both groups and individuals who meet the income eligibility guidelines of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network. Contact this hotline for information and legal assistance.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding it's formal complaint process. The formal complaint process involves a legal proceeding where you and the utility must present facts on issues raised in your complaint to a PUC administrative law judge. The process can take six months or more until a complaint is adjudicated. Individuals or companies may file formal complaints. Individuals are not required to have a lawyer to file a formal complaint. However, companies must be represented by an attorney.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority. When an informal complaint is filed through the Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), a BCS investigator works to facilitate discussion between the parties to resolve the complaint. This process is much less time-consuming than the formal complaint process and usually results in a faster resolution to the case. Informal complaints against utilities are confidential and not available for public inspection.
PUC Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on filing complaints with the Public Utility Commission.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
LIHEAP Benefit Amount Table
This tool from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services allows you to see the amount of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) benefits you are eligible to receive. Select the county where you live and the type of fuel you use to heat your home or a type you to use for additional heat. The benefit table for your county and the type of fuel you use is displayed listing the LIHEAP benefit amount for your yearly income range and household size.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Formal Complaint Process
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding it's formal complaint process. The formal complaint process involves a legal proceeding where you and the utility must present facts on issues raised in your complaint to a PUC administrative law judge. The process can take six months or more until a complaint is adjudicated. Individuals or companies may file formal complaints. Individuals are not required to have a lawyer to file a formal complaint. However, companies must be represented by an attorney.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - Informal Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to assist consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUC’s authority. When an informal complaint is filed through the Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS), a BCS investigator works to facilitate discussion between the parties to resolve the complaint. This process is much less time-consuming than the formal complaint process and usually results in a faster resolution to the case. Informal complaints against utilities are confidential and not available for public inspection.
PUC Complaints
Information from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on filing complaints with the Public Utility Commission.
Tenants Rights and Protections Against Utility Shut-Offs (Video)
The information in this video discussing tenants' rights and protections against utility shutoffs was developed using materials produced by The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP).
Utilities Termination Issues
Information from MidPenn Legal Services outlining your consumer rights regarding utility terminations.
Utility Rights and Protections for Tenants
Information from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project about the rights of tenants to utility service, regardless of whether the service is included in your rent or whether you have the utility in your own name.
I Need Help Affording My Utility Bill. What Can I Do?
Information from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project about resources and options available to you if you are having difficulty paying your utility bills.
Need Help With Your Energy Bills?
The Public Utility Commission requires utilities to have programs and protections that help limited-income customers keep their utility service. These programs may help you to pay utility bills or lower the amount of electricity or natural gas you use. This brochure provides information on these programs. It includes some tips to help you stay warm, lower your heating bills, and tells you who to call to get help.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Affordable Connectivity Program Wind-Down
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program was April 2024. ACP enrolled households are strongly encouraged to carefully review written notices from their internet company and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down. Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.
Broadband Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania for Low-Income Households
Former participants of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are encouraged to apply for the Lifeline Program if they are not already a participant, and to reach out to their provider to see if there are other lower cost options available. In addition to the Lifeline Program, several broadband providers offer their own low cost or low-income programs to help PA consumers. Those programs are listed here.
GetInternet.gov
This website provides a a simple, easy-to-use one-stop resource with details on how you can sign up for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACF), which provides a subsidy for broadband internet service, and find participating internet providers who will provide broadband service in their area for a cost equal to the ACF subsidy, resulting in no cost to the consumer.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Affordable Connectivity Program Wind-Down
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program was April 2024. ACP enrolled households are strongly encouraged to carefully review written notices from their internet company and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down. Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.
Free Safelink Wireless Phone and Plan for Low-income Pennsylvanians
SafeLink Wireless provides a free wireless phone and cellular plan for qualifying Pennsylvanians through the Lifeline government benefit program. Services are available in many, but not all, areas of Pennsylvania. Household income at or below 135% of FPG.
GetInternet.gov
This website provides a a simple, easy-to-use one-stop resource with details on how you can sign up for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACF), which provides a subsidy for broadband internet service, and find participating internet providers who will provide broadband service in their area for a cost equal to the ACF subsidy, resulting in no cost to the consumer.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
I Need Help Affording My Utility Bill. What Can I Do?
Information from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project about resources and options available to you if you are having difficulty paying your utility bills.
Landlord’s Interference With a Tenant’s Right to Utility Service
Information from MidPenn Legal Services on a Tenant's rights regarding utility service in a rented residence. [PDF] (June 2011)
Tenants Rights and Protections Against Utility Shut-Offs (Video)
The information in this video discussing tenants' rights and protections against utility shutoffs was developed using materials produced by The Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP).
Tenants Rights & Protections Against Utility Shutoffs
Outline of tenants rights from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project regarding the termination of utility service in their rented homes or apartments.
Utilities Termination Issues
Information from MidPenn Legal Services outlining your consumer rights regarding utility terminations.
Utility Rights and Protections for Tenants
Information from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project about the rights of tenants to utility service, regardless of whether the service is included in your rent or whether you have the utility in your own name.
Utility Termination Issues
Information for you to know from MidPenn Legal Services when facing a termination of utility service. [PDF] (September 2010)
What Every Utility Customer Should Know
Information from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network for utility customers
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Affordable Connectivity Program Wind-Down
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program was April 2024. ACP enrolled households are strongly encouraged to carefully review written notices from their internet company and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down. Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.
COMPASS - Apply for Public Benefits and Services from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can apply for a variety of programs offered by the PA Department of Human Services, including public assistance, food stamps, health care coverage, energy assistance and other social service programs at this site
Consumer Programs and Publications
Learn more about the special consumer programs offered by various utilities, as well as tips on how to conserve energy and save money on your utility bills.
GetInternet.gov
This website provides a a simple, easy-to-use one-stop resource with details on how you can sign up for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACF), which provides a subsidy for broadband internet service, and find participating internet providers who will provide broadband service in their area for a cost equal to the ACF subsidy, resulting in no cost to the consumer.
Heating Assistance/LIHEAP
Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services regarding the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program in Pennsylvania, how to apply, program dates, as well as the income limits for this program.
Know the Consumer Complaint Process and Your Options
This pamphlet describes the different types of complaints consumers can file with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the process for filing a complaint as well as other options available to resolve disputes with a utility company. (July 2017)
Need Help With Your Energy Bills?
The Public Utility Commission requires utilities to have programs and protections that help limited-income customers keep their utility service. These programs may help you to pay utility bills or lower the amount of electricity or natural gas you use. This brochure provides information on these programs. It includes some tips to help you stay warm, lower your heating bills, and tells you who to call to get help.
PA Power Switch
PAPowerSwitch.com from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) provides information to make sure you have the tools at your fingertips to make an informed decision when selecting an electric supplier.
PA Public Utility Commission Consumer Complaint Procedures Guide
This guide offers information on the PUC's complaint process including detailed information on the various types of complaints that can be filed and how to pursue a complaint. (2021)
Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
The Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) is a state agency that represents the interests of Pennsylvania utility consumers before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), federal regulatory agencies, and state and federal courts. The OCA was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1976 and is an independent office within the Office of Attorney General.
Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act
This new law changed rules that apply to cash deposits; re-connection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by consumers for electric, gas and water. This fact sheet from the PA Public Utility Commission is designed to provide you with very important information regarding how the new Act affects you and your utility service. [PDF] (October 2021)
Free Safelink Wireless Phone and Plan for Low-income Pennsylvanians
SafeLink Wireless provides a free wireless phone and cellular plan for qualifying Pennsylvanians through the Lifeline government benefit program. Services are available in many, but not all, areas of Pennsylvania. Household income at or below 135% of FPG.
Low Income Energy Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Profile on this federal website that serves as a hub for information about the variation that exists among LIHEAP grantees in the operation of their programs.
Utility Shut-Offs
If you receive notice that your utilities will be shut off, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. It is more difficult to get service turned back on after shut off. No matter who is responsible to pay for the utilities, a utility company follow certain procedures. This guide from the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania provides information on the process and what you can do to prevent the shut off or to restore service after a shut off.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to File a Show Cause Order in Cambria and Indiana Counties (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, shows how residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties can file a show cause order when a landlord shuts off your utilities to try and evict you. Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.