Philadelphia

Philly schools spending $11M on computers to be used during coronavirus closures; Comcast CEO, family donating $5M

After the COVID-19 pandemic shuts down Philadelphia, the school district tries to purchase enough computers to supply a computer to every student. After the initial shut down the Philadelphia school district makes moves to bring equity of education to all primary and secondary students.Read more

Tackling Philly’s high energy burden can help shore up against storms | Opinion

This article begins with a discussion of the Vine Street Expressway being turned into a canal as a result of Hurricane Ida. It then goes on to express the need to protect the city from more horrific weather events on both a local and federal level. The article defines energy burden as "is...Read more

PGW wants to raise rates by 11 percent, to cover cost of new pipes

This is a very recent article from WHYY the local public news site for Philadelphia.  It outlines a proposed rate increase for households in Philadelphia by PGW, the local gas company. The reason this article interested me was how it touches on household costs for energy as well as physical...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

Philly is trying to bridge vaccine gaps by targeting hard-hit neighborhoods. Finally, activists and experts say.

This article discusses the digital divide and how a vaccination have proven to increase it even more than the pandemic already has. It opens with by discussing Jeff Harris, 65, and how he was registered after a group of activists went door to door registering people. Harris explained that not...Read more

Philly is ready to start fighting climate change again

As President-Elect Biden stated, there is a pontential for the US to re-enter the Paris Agreement for climate change goals to be achieved by 2050. Philadelphia had continued to follow the climate provisions thanks to Mayor Kenney's commitment even despite President Trump's withdrawal from the...Read more

Philly promises public school students will have internet access as coronavirus keeps classes online

This article discusses the plan by Philadelphia School District Superintendant Hite regarding internet access for students in the city. Philadelphia's return to school plan requries students continue virtual education until at least November 17th. However, parts of school buildings, libraries,...Read more

As NYC gives at-risk seniors AC units, Philly asks them to find relief in a neighbor’s home

This article discusses heat vulnerability through the story of an elderly couple with chronic illness living in Philadelphia and Philadelphia's cooling resources compared to the plan that New York City is rolling out. Officials in Philadelphia are calling for collaborations across private...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

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

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