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PUC Approves Utility’s Universal Service and Conservation Plan
Utility withdraws plan to automatically enroll LIHEAP customers in customer assistance program
On September 10, 2026 the Pennsylvania PUC issued an order approving Peoples Natural Gas’s amended universal service and energy conservation plan. Note that Peoples had previously withdrawn its proposal to automatically enroll LIHEAP recipients in its customer assistance program (CAP) without customer permission. Under the modified plan the utility will proactively contact LIHEAP data-sharing customers with balances over $300 and offer expedited CAP enrollment, while allowing automatic recertification for eligible customers already participating in CAP.
On September 10, 2026 in a statement Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow issued expressed disappointment that Peoples withdrew its CAP auto-enrollment proposal, stating a preference for the company to continue pursuing automatic enrollment. Vice Chair Barrow encouraged Peoples to submit a revised CAP auto-enrollment proposal in its next USECP filing that addresses the issues raised in the proceeding.
In a statement Chairman Stephen DeFrank supported approval of Peoples Natural Gas’s amended plan after the company shifted from automatic CAP enrollment to an opt-in approach requiring customer consent. Peoples will identify LIHEAP recipients with balances over $300 and provide information about CAP benefits and consequences, including that CAP participants cannot purchase gas from an alternative natural gas supplier. Chairman Stephen DeFrank concluded that the revised approach makes CAP more accessible while allowing customers to make informed enrollment decisions.
The Pennsylvania Commission established a 30-day comment period followed by a 20-day reply comment period on PECO’s long-term infrastructure improvement plan.
