COVID-19

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

Report: Black households spend almost 50 percent more on utilities than white households

Echoing the topics of discussions in the headlines, this article talks about the impending end of state moratoria. Citing studies like the American Housing Survey, the article discusses disproportionate impacts felt by low-income communities as COVID-19 has compounded their already-precarious...Read more

There Could Be an Energy Bill Debt Tsunami, Too

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

PWD Exhibit 3C - FY 2023 Proposed Rates and Charges

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

Dangerous choice: Swelter in quarantine or risk contagion

This article disscusses how cities may protect vulnerable residents from the risks of extreme heat during the COVID19 pandemic. Read more

Summer Heat Will Worsen the Pandemic for Poor Communities

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

How coronavirus is changing electricity usage, in 3 charts

This news article talks about shifting energy demand during COVID-19, focusing on California, New York, and Italy. Data is taking from electricity grids and shows that there is a reduced overall demand on the grid -- so even with increased usage in households, the amount of energy consumption is...Read more

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