fallen behind . NEUAC and its national coalition of nearly 300 member organizations , along with the stakeholder organizations across the country that have signed this letter , urge Congress to fully support LIHEAP and maximize funding in FY 2025 .
� PPA OPPOSES MOVE TO DECREASE LIHEAP FUNDING
The Pennsylvania Petroleum Association reports that the House Consumer Affairs , Technology and Utilities Committee held a hearing on HB 1077 on Chapter 14 reauthorization for Pennsylvania utility law . Chapter 14 regulates the bill collection practices of utilities , including allowable processes in cases of termination and reconnection of service . This section is reviewed and needs to be authorized by the General Assembly every ten years , according to the Jan . 22 issue of the PPA ’ s
newsletter , Express Update .
“ At the Committee hearing , advocates for low-income customers argued that current law should be amended to provide more flexibility for customers struggling to pay their utility bills ,” Express Update reports . “ The association representing the utilities indicated their opposition to most of those proposals . In the meantime , the legislation was reported out of the Senate ( SB 1017 ) Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee this past December that reflected much of the utilities views regarding Chapter 14 .
“ Although most of the discussion surrounding this issue does not directly impact deliverable fuel customers , one provision in the Senate version would have a serious detrimental effect on oil heat and propane LIHEAP . Under the current LIHEAP program , utilities are prohibited from terminating customers for lack of payment in the winter months . In general , utility customers in terminated situations receive LIHEAP benefits following the moratorium .
“ A provision in the Senate Bill 1017 would allow the LIHEAP utility customer to receive Crisis benefits at the time a late payment notice was received during the season . This change would likely lead to Crisis grants being directed to utility customers in amounts that would threaten the availability of funds to deliverable fuel customers ( of both Crisis and Cash benefits ).
“ PPA has weighed in its opposition to this plan and has reached out to the Department of Human Services and lowincome groups to work together [ to ] block its implementation . Because of the divide between the various interest groups on the Chapter 14 Reauthorization , the discussion in the legislature will likely continue for the balance of 2024 .” l FON
The Most Affordable and Innovative Solution to Monitor Your Home Heating Oil Tanks
Gain instant ROI with our award-winning monitor , online portal and free branded mobile app with no upfront costs .
Starting at only $ 3.50 / month !
Robust industrial design 15 + year industry leading battery life Works with all tanks and software GPS positioning
The only dual SIM with CATM and NBIOT cellular technology
Five-year warranty Quick and easy installation No Internet or gateway needed Free branded app and promotional materials
Contact us today ! 1 ( 844 ) 763-3344 | info @ otodata . com | otodata . com
8 FEBRUARY 2024 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www . fueloilnews . com