It looks like the state Public Utility Commission has heard those of us who oppose a rate increase by PA American Water. The PUC voted unanimously last week to suspend and investigate the proposal until August 2026.

PA American Water has asked the state Public Utility Commission to approve a rate hike that would increase local water bills by approximately $14 per month and wastewater bills about $10 per month. Customers with combined stormwater and wastewater systems could see an increase of roughly $20 per month.

Last week’s vote means the PUC will conduct public hearings as it reviews the request. Dates and times for those hearings will be scheduled at a later date. More information on the process is available on the PUC’s website here.

Meanwhile, consumers can contact the PUC to express their own opinion about the proposed rate hike. Download a form here or write to the PUC at Secretary’s Bureau, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA, 17120.

The application process for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opened recently, a month later than usual due to the federal government shutdown. Through the program, households can apply for a cash grant to help pay their heating bills—ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on household size, income, and fuel type.

For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues.

Congratulations to the Clairton Bears football team, who won the state Class A football championship last week. Those young men and their coaches made the whole Mon Valley proud!

Read more about their accomplishment here.

Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life's necessities, but the annual deadline for applications is approaching. The filing deadline is December 31. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000.

Learn more about the program here. My staff are available to assist with applications, so don’t hesitate to contact my district office.

Pennsylvanians looking for a patriotic way to donate during the holidays can give to programs that support the state’s nearly 700,000 veterans, service members and their families. The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manages several programs for the tax-deductible donations.

Donations can be made by individuals, corporations and companies. When an online donation is made, donors may also choose to enter honoree information and a plaque in their honor will be displayed on the Virtual Donor Wall. To make a donation online or by mail, or to learn more about each one, go to www.donate.dmva.pa.gov. 

From now through January 15, Pennsylvanians can enroll in health coverage through Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace created through Obamacare. Unfortunately, Congress has yet to agree to extend the health care subsidies. Consequently, we expect the cost of plans in our marketplace to go up significantly.

If you have questions or need help enrolling, visit Pennie.com/connect or call the Pennie Customer Service Center at 1-844-844-8040.

My team and I are here to assist with a variety of state government-related services, so please don’t hesitate to visit the district office at Tube City Center in McKeesport, call us at 412-664-0035, or visit my website, www.repgoughnour.com.  

Pennsylvania State Capitol

117-A East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-1018

District Office

409 Walnut St. First Floor

McKeesport, PA 15132-2524

(412) 664-0035