Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler April 16, 2026 | 3:45 PM
PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday:
“People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality.
“I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month.
“This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families.
“PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive.
“This is all a pattern of corporate greed and price gouging, and it must end.
“Utility corporations are effectively granted monopolies by service area, and the protection from competition that comes with it. But for decades, they’ve been allowed to earn shareholder profit far above their actual financing costs. Energy is a basic need, not a privilege, but as prices keep rising it becomes out of reach. We can fix this. I have a bill that limits these returns on equity – restoring fairness to our ratemaking process, preventing more hikes, and putting people before profits. The legislation is just one part of the energy affordability package that my colleagues and I introduced this week.
“As we continue our work in Harrisburg to lower costs, I encourage my constituents to call or visit my district office to learn about what options they have for energy assistance. My staff are ready to help you with applications for LIHEAP and more."