Pennsylvania HB 1778: An Act establishing the Essential Energy Stability Fund Pilot Program to provide limited, off-season utility assistance to eligible low-income households; and making an appropriation.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2187
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1778
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY GUZMAN, FREEMAN, HILL-EVANS, WAXMAN, SANCHEZ,
MAYES, OTTEN, KINKEAD, K.HARRIS AND GUENST, JULY 31, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION, TECHNOLOGY AND
UTILITIES, AUGUST 4, 2025
AN ACT
Establishing the Essential Energy Stability Fund Pilot Program
to provide limited, off-season utility assistance to eligible
low-income households; and making an appropriation.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Essential
Energy Stability Fund Pilot Program Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"CAP." A customer assistance program that is sponsored by a
public utility for the purpose of providing universal service
and energy conservation, as defined by section 2202 (relating to
definitions) or 2803 (relating to definitions), in which
customers make monthly payments based on household income and
household size and under which customers must comply with
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certain responsibilities and restrictions in order to remain
eligible for the program.
"Department." The Department of Human Services of the
Commonwealth.
"Eligible household." A household enrolled in LIHEAP, CAP or
similar public utility assistance programs during the preceding
heating season.
"LIHEAP." Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
"Off-season." May 1 through September 30 each calendar year.
"Pilot program." The Essential Energy Stability Fund Pilot
Program established under section 3.
Section 3. Establishment of pilot program.
(a) Duty of department.--The department shall establish and
administer the Essential Energy Stability Fund Pilot Program to
provide financial assistance to eligible households for electric
and cooling-related utility costs during the off-season.
(b) Form of assistance.--Assistance from the pilot program
shall be provided in the form of direct bill credits applied in
coordination with regulated utility providers.
(c) Pilot program prioritization.--The pilot program shall
prioritize households located in zip codes identified by the
department as having higher heat vulnerability or energy burden.
Section 4. Funding of the pilot program.
The pilot program shall have the following funding:
(1) The sum of $10,000,000 is appropriated from the
General Fund to the department for the initial two-year
operation of the pilot program.
(2) The department may utilize any available carryover
Federal LIHEAP money consistent with Federal rules to
supplement the pilot program.
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Section 5. Coordination with utilities.
The department shall enter into a memoranda of understanding
with regulated electric and gas utilities for the:
(1) Identification and verification of eligible
households.
(2) Application of assistance as bill credits during the
off-season.
(3) Reporting of disbursements and outcomes to the
department.
Section 6. Reporting.
The department shall submit an annual report to the Governor
and the General Assembly by February 1 of each year summarizing:
(1) The number of households assisted by the pilot
program.
(2) The total money expended by the Commonwealth.
(3) Geographic and demographic data on recipients under
the pilot program.
(4) Recommendations regarding continuation or expansion
of the pilot program.
Section 7. Expiration.
The pilot program shall expire December 31, 2027.
Section 8. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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