By Alon Abramson, Vice President of Programs

Recently, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved updates to Pennsylvania’s Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP). The utility-sponsored program provides weatherization and energy usage reduction services to assist the state’s most energy-burdened customers.

The new order presents significant opportunities for program administrators. PEA anticipates that, under the new rules, PEA can collaborate with our utility partners to further improve the effectiveness and reach of programs like PEA’s Built to Last (BTL) and Solar for All. 

Prioritization of Coordination with Other Programs

One of the most impactful changes is the new prioritization criteria for LIURP client selection. Utilities must now consider coordination with other programs as a key factor when determining eligibility.  Homeowners who participate in BTL, combining home energy retrofits with health, safety, and climate resilience measures, should be recognized as a priority for LIURP participation. This could allow clients who are already engaged in PEA’s programs to receive additional support, enhancing the overall impact of multiple initiatives without redundant applications or services.

Expanding Access to More Customers

Previously, LIURP participation was limited to utility customers who were  enrolled in a utility’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP). The new rules state that all low-income customers, who otherwise meet eligibility requirements, must be allowed to participate in LIURP, especially if they have high-usage, regardless of CAP participation. This will allow PEA to reach a larger portion of Philadelphia’s population, including those who may not yet be enrolled in CAP but still face significant energy challenges.

Flexibility for Incidental Repairs and Health & Safety Measures

The new regulations now allow LIURP funds to cover incidental repairs and necessary health and safety measures required to ensure the proper installation of weatherization measures. This will allow LIURP to serve more homes with fewer deferrals. When coordinated with Built to Last, this may also enhance the impact of retrofits by ensuring that all necessary repairs are completed.

De Facto Heating 

A new formal definition of “de facto heating” , acknowledging that many households use alternative heating sources, such as portable electric heaters, when their primary heating system fails. This opens the opportunity to systematically address electric de facto heating using LIURP funding when the original non-functioning heating source was not electric (LIURP does not allow for fuel switching). In other words, recognizing de facto heating could enable the installation of high-efficiency electric heat pump systems in homes to deliver usage reduction. 

Space Cooling Added to the Electric Baseload

For many low-income households, cooling needs are just as critical as heating. The updated regulations now officially include space cooling as part of the electric baseload, ensuring that homes with significant cooling needs will be prioritized for energy-saving measures. This is especially beneficial in the face of increasing heatwaves, allowing PEA’s programs to offer a more comprehensive approach to addressing both heating and cooling challenges.

Improved Tracking and Referrals for Deferred Homes

For homes that cannot immediately participate due to deferred repairs, the new regulation mandates that utilities refer these households to other services and track them for future re-evaluation. This aligns with PEA’s model of holistic support, where clients are referred to the right resources and services to address deferred needs, helping to ensure that no one is left behind in the effort to improve home energy efficiency.

In summary, these new amendments to Pennsylvania’s LIURP regulations represent a significant step forward in expanding the reach, flexibility, and impact of energy assistance programs. With better coordination, expanded eligibility, and allowances for health and safety measures, PEA’s initiatives stand to benefit from these updates, ultimately helping more low-income households in Philadelphia reduce their energy burdens and improve their quality of life.