This news analysis discusses extreme heat and energy insecurities during the COVID19 pandemic. This article calls for an expansion of energy efficiency and bill assistance programs (e.g. expanding LIHEAP funding for summer months) along with a nation-wide utility shutoff moratorium to provide...Read more
The following artifact details how the approved water rate change would impact various consumers, types of properties, and the forms of charges associated with water billing in Philadelphia for FY2023. It also details PWD billing and qualifications for "charity rates and charges". Read more
In the second COVID-19 stimulus bill passed by Congress, there is no specific funding for LIHEAP, and funding for rental assistance and utility assistance are shared. This document details how funds will be used in the Emergency Rental Assistance Section of the stimulus.
"Grantees shall...Read more
Current FCC estimates predict that 30 million Americans do not have broadband access, which includes more than 6/10 rural residents. Some estimates put that at even more without internet access.
Microsoft recently released numbers estimating the percentage of residents who use the...Read more
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
It's changed gasoline because I don't have to drive as often, so that's been less. But of course, there's more heat required and more electricity and water usage, so all utilities are going up. Read more
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
We're including this article because it discusses the state of household energy bills and the use of pandemic moratoriums. The article discusses differences between when states ended the utility shutoff moratoriums, but also noted that nationally, household consumers did spend more during the...Read more
Like many other sectors of our life and our economies, COVID-19 has reshaped existing infrastructures, interactions, and services. Energy usage is among the sectors witnessing impacts in demand fluctuations and shift in sources. The IEA traced energy usage between the months of May 2020 and...Read more