Description

Electric rate caps are coming off this January across the state of Pennsylvania and PECO is increasing rates here in Philadelphia by 5%. There has been very little media coverage of the reasons for and possible effects of the removal of rate caps. Many are concerned about what this will mean for the majority of families in Philadelphia, who are already struggling to pay for utilities and other basic necessities. MMPTV members spoke with Wilma Mack, Eddie Davis, Crystal Holley and Jackie Morris, who we met outside of PECO's Center City location, to hear how these increases will impact their families. We also sat down with advocates from the Community Legal Services Energy Unit to find out about the programs that are available to lessen the burden of rising costs of utilities and to learn more about the de-regulation of electricity in Pennsylvania. Tim McShea, Vice President of Fire Fighters Local 22, explained the connection between rising utility costs and the use of unsafe heating and electric alternatives. The combination, he says, "is a recipe for fatality." To learn more about Community Legal Services or any of the programs mentioned during this segment visit: www. clsphila.org liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Penn.htm