COVID-19

Analysis and Concerns

As of March 29th, 2019, all seven electric distribution companies have promised to suspend shutoffs and bill late payments. While certainly a step in the right direction, there is no doubt that electricity usage will surge due to everyone staying at home. On the other hand, total electricity...Read more

3 people, 200 square miles, Managing homelessness, remote school, and life in a pandemic , and a life in a pandemic

Many of the artifacts I have posted here have revolved around the digital divide in a purely academic sense, and while this article touches on that subject, it also goes deeper and explores the social ramifications of the digital divide. 

It is psuedo-ethnographic in the way that it...Read more

PA Senate Democrats Joined House Democrats for Net Neutrality Policy Hearing

State Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D) and state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D) held virtual meeting on net neutrality and equitable access to internet in Pennsylvania.

“Internet access has become a necessity. However, Pennsylvania’s technological infrastructure and internet standards are behind...Read more

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase 4 Flyer

This flyer contains information on Phase 4 of Philadelphia's rental assistance program, which provides relief to tenants facing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Funding was authorized by the federal government, and Philadelphia has about $97 million to spend on rental assistance and utility...Read more

Additional LIHEAP funding urged for struggling families as Senate considers more COVID-19 relief

Proponents are advocating for a new round of federal funding for LIHEAP on account of the economic downturn that the nation faces due to COVID-19. They state that around $4.3 billion of funding is needed to protect struggling consumers in the coming months when utility shut-off moratoria...Read more

New research will look at heat wave risks during pandemic

This document is part of the NCAR & UCAR Newspage. In this brief description, the author talks about ways in which NCAR and other entities are pooling together funds to conduct research into heat vulnerabilities and its intersections with risks of contracting COVID-19. That said, the brief...Read more

Peco seeks electric rate hike that would boost bills by 9.65%, citing grid costs and COVID-19

Peco, citing the need for “significant” upgrades to the local electric grid and for pandemic-related customer relief, on Tuesday filed a request seeking a $246 million electric rate increase that...Read more

A deadly hot summer is coming. Philly doesn’t yet have a plan.

This article discusses the projected heat vulnerabilities in Philadelphia. It features Drexel University professor Yvonne Michael's as well as Clean Air Council's Russ Zerbo. The article also talks about the health risks, lack of cooling centers, and efforts in Hunting Park. Read more

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