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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. W. Curtis Thomas |
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Thomas says now is the time to stop utility shutoffs
HARRISBURG, Dec. 3 – At a Capitol news conference Monday, state Rep. W. Curtis Thomas confirmed his strong support of a bill that would protect utility consumers from shutoffs. He is calling for committee action on the bill.
Thomas is a co-sponsor of H.B. 824, which would make changes to the Utility Consumers Protection Act. Specifically, it would change the current requirements for consumers to have their utilities restored after a shutoff, make changes regarding termination of service in winter months and adjust reconnection fees for consumers.
The legislation was drafted by Rep. Joe Preston, D-Allegheny, who is chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee, where the bill is awaiting consideration. The bill is the subject of a hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 4.
“Every winter we hear tragic stories of a child or senior citizen who freezes to death in their home or is killed in a house fire because they're using the kitchen stove as an alternative heat source -- all because their utility service has been shut off,” Thomas said.
“As the weather grows colder and temperatures drop, utility shutoffs become a more serious problem.”
In Philadelphia, there are more than 9,000 people without utility service, Thomas said. Although a majority of the state’s utility shutoffs are in Philadelphia, it is a problem statewide with 17,000 people without service across the Commonwealth.
Thomas said a majority of people without heat could have their heat restored during the winter months under H.B. 824.
“We need to establish a balance between protecting consumers and utility companies in order to ensure all parties' needs are met,” Thomas said. “This isn’t about protecting utility thieves – it is about protecting the hardworking families of Pennsylvania who haven’t received raises while utility costs have risen.”
Thomas was joined at the news conference by Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-Clearfield, the chairman of the House Environmental Resources Committee; Rep. Joe Preston; Harry Geller of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project; Ian Phillips, the state legislative director for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, and other members of ACORN.
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Thomas is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA181 (7-2-1-8-1) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |