Energy Affordability in PA

Rep. Leanne Krueger March 3, 2026 | 3:57 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbors,

From energy bills to housing costs, I know that many families in Delaware County are struggling to keep up with rising costs. We’re also seeing higher prices at the grocery store on every trip, and I’ve spoken to neighbors who have seen their health insurance premiums go through the roof.

Governor Shapiro spoke at length about how to address affordability during his Budget Address last month. Affordability touches nearly every part of our daily lives, from rent or mortgage payments to groceries, medical care, and utility bills.

One way we are working to address affordability in Pennsylvania is by tackling the rising cost of the energy we use to heat our homes and keep the lights on. After a particularly cold winter, I know many families are feeling the strain of higher bills. This is due in part to PECO’s rate increase last year after the Public Utility Commission voted in 2024 to allow them to raise distribution rates, despite opposition from myself and other legislators. Read more: PECO profits skyrocket almost 50% after rate hikes - WHYY

My office has received many calls from neighbors who are shocked by how much their energy costs have increased. You are not alone, and we are listening.

That’s why the House Energy Committee and House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee have a package of bills ready for consideration aimed at lowering costs, increasing transparency, and protecting consumers. These proposals take on unfair practices, promote accountability, and would work to ensure families are paying a fair price for the energy they use.

Check them out in the graphic below.

Are You Paying Too Much for Your Energy?

Choosing an independent energy supplier is a popular option for many households who are shopping around for lower rates. However, at a joint informational meeting of the House Consumer Protection Committee and the House Energy Committee, the PA Utility Law Project shared recent data showing that "shopping" for electricity and natural gas may be costing consumers more than they realize.

According to an analysis of utility data from 2024 and 2025, residential customers who switched away from their utility’s default service often paid significantly more than those who stayed with the standard “Price to Compare.” In 2025 alone, customers spent an estimated $345 million more than the standard "Price to Compare."

It’s another reminder that transparency and consumer protections matter when it comes to lowering energy costs.

In the meantime, there is something you can do right now: check your monthly utility bill for the “Price to Compare.” If your current supplier’s rate is higher than that number, you may be paying more than necessary for your home energy.

The Capitol building now has a fully accessible restroom!

Today I was proud to host the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the public unveiling of the state Capitol building’s first-ever fully accessible restroom. Located in the East Wing, the restroom has these features:

A lift track system and hoist
An adult-rated changing table with adjustable height
An easy raise, assisted lift toilet seat
A height adjustable sink

I’m proud to see this project completed and to make visiting our historic building easier for people of all abilities.

Watch our 2026-2027 state budget hearings

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees are holding the second week of state budget hearings in Harrisburg.

You can watch these meetings live at this page, or after the fact here on YouTube.

In the District

Honoring Career and Technical Education in Delaware County

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s Delaware County Technical School in Aston to recognize February as Career and Technical Education Month.

I was honored to join Senators Tim Kearney and John Kane, Rep. Gina Curry, Delaware County Councilmember Joanne Phillips, staff, and students to present a citation recognizing the incredible work being done to prepare students for successful careers.

DCTS provides hands-on-training in high-demand fields including trades, nursing, cosmetology, IT, culinary arts, automotive, and many other programs. These programs open doors and help students build strong foundations for real-world careers.

Congratulations to Our Newest Eagle Scout

This past weekend, I had the honor of presenting a citation to Jack Robert Cooper Gainey in recognition of earning his Eagle Scout Award.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jack constructed a 16 x 16 covered pavilion with benches at Leiper Park, helping improve access and enhance the park’s usability for Wallingford residents and families. The project was supported by Nether Providence Township funding and resources, and it will serve the community for years to come.

Read Across America

Yesterday I had a great time reading to students in celebration of Read Across America. Thank you to the Delaware County Intermediate Unit - Early Childhood Center in Aston for inviting me to share in such a fun morning with your students.

Important Programs & Services

Simplifying State Tax Filing

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has launched a free Fast File pilot program to help eligible residents file their PA Personal Income Tax (PA-40) return more easily this season.

Nearly 100,000 Pennsylvanians may qualify and will receive a letter inviting them to participate.

Eligible taxpayers can file through myPATH.

W-2 information is automatically uploaded
No manual wage entry
File in just a few simple steps

Who qualifies?

Single, full-time PA residents (prior year)
One W-2 from one employer
No deductions, credits, carryforwards, or estimated payments

SEPTA Senior Key Cards and Card Renewals

If you have a SEPTA Senior Key Card that has expired or will expire within the next month, we can renew it in our district office. To renew your card before it expires, please give my office a call.

My office can also process applications and take photos for new SEPTA Senior Key Cards, which allow seniors 65 and older to travel for free on all SEPTA routes in PA.

Just stop by my district office and bring a form of ID with your date of birth on it, such as a PA driver’s license or non-driver ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate. We’ll enter your information into SEPTA’s online system, take a quick photo, and then SEPTA will mail your new card to you directly.