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

PHASE 4 Philadelphia Rental Assistance Eligibility Criteria & Rules Presentation

This presentation details who can apply for phase 4 rental assistance in Philadelphia. Below are details regarding the utility assistance aspect of this program:

  • Applicants can receive up to 18 months of utility assistance for past-due

and current utility bills

• An...Read more

Philadelphia seeks 16.9% water rate increase, citing revenue erosion from pandemic

In mid-February, the Philadelphia Water Department announced it was seeking a 16.9% residential rate increase phased in over two years that...Read more

ECA Newsletter - April 3, 2020

This monthly newsletter was written by executive director Steve Luxton and gave an update on what is happening at ECA during the COVID19 shutdown.Read more

A Pandemic and Surging Summer Heat Leave Thousands Struggling to Pay Utility Bills

This article is particularly relevant to investigations on energy vulnerability, but also particularly relevant to predictions of compounded vulnerabilities made by the research group before the first round of interviews. For example, one of the people interviewed said she was forced to shut her...Read more

Bicameral Utility Access Letter
This letter was signed by 100 members of Congress and urges party leaders to institute a utility shutoff moratorium that would last for at least six months beyond the end date of the national state of emergency.Read more
Utilities disconnect 116,000 Pa. households after state lifts moratorium on pandemic shutoffs

Pennsylvania utilities have cut off service to 116,000 customers for nonpayment since the state lifted a moratorium on shutoffs on April 1 after a ...Read more

Philly schools to distribute computers to students as coronavirus could force closure for the rest of the school year

Philadelphia schools connect students to education through the distribution of chrome books. Read more

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