Jul. 25—WILKES-BARRE — As dangerous heat grips Pennsylvania once again, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to brace for higher electric bills as a result of soaring power usage during multiple heat waves since mid-June and scorching conditions that pushed electricity demand on the regional power grid to its highest level in 14 years.
The PUC is cautioning consumers that those record-setting usage levels will soon be reflected in monthly electric bills.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a large household, increased power use from air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, and other cooling tools will likely show up as higher-than-normal charges.
In response, the PUC is urging all Pennsylvanians to explore #SaveInPA strategies to manage energy costs, especially for vulnerable or financially struggling households.
Usage drives your bill — review it carefully
The amount of electricity you use is one of the biggest factors in your monthly utility bill — often accounting for two-thirds or more of the total cost. Even if your rate hasn’t changed, increased energy usage during heat waves can lead to sticker shock when bills arrive.
The PUC encourages every consumer to:
—Review your bill carefully, especially the sections detailing monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and current energy supply rates.
—If you use a competitive energy supplier, check contract expiration dates and rate terms.
—Understand your options and responsibilities if your contract has expired or is approaching renewal.
—For energy shopping tools and usage tips, visit — www.PAPowerSwitch.com.
If you’re struggling — #CallUtilitiesNow
The PUC strongly encourages any household or small business struggling with high bills or past-due balances to call their utility now and ask about available assistance programs. Waiting can lead to larger balances and fewer options.
Utility customer service teams can:
—Explain Customer Assistance Programs (CAP) for income-qualified consumers.
—Provide referrals for LIHEAP and other national or local aid.
—Discuss eligibility for hardship fund support through nonprofit partnerships.
—Explore other affordability options, like budget billing or payment plans that can help address financial needs.
Each major utility has trained staff ready to help customers navigate these programs. If you cannot resolve your issue directly with your utility, contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380.
Consumers may also call Pennsylvania’s 211 system (Dial 211 or visit www.pa211.org) for help with utilities, housing, food, and more.
Energy conservation still matters
Even though the hottest days may have passed, summer isn’t over. Households can still take simple, effective steps to reduce usage and control costs, including:
—Raise your thermostat a few degrees and use fans to circulate air.
—Limit appliance use during peak hours (5 — 7 PM).
—Close blinds or curtains during sunny hours.
—Avoid unnecessary lighting or electronics that generate extra heat.
—Seal windows and doors to keep cool air inside.
SAFE Guidance Act passes in committee
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week announced that his bill, H.R. 4460 — the Stop Agency Fiat Enforcement of Guidance (SAFE Guidance) Act — passed out of the House Financial Services Committee.
The SAFE Guidance Act ensures transparency and limits abuse of regulatory “guidance” by requiring financial agencies to include a clear disclaimer on the first page of any guidance document. This disclaimer must state that such guidance does not carry the force of law and that noncompliance does not constitute a legal violation.
“As we saw during Operation Chokepoint 2.0, Biden regulators have quietly used informal guidance to pressure banks into blacklisting lawful industries — from crypto to firearms dealers,” said Meuser during committee remarks. “This legislation takes a commonsense step to prevent that kind of abuse. Guidance should clarify — not coerce. It’s time we made clear that only Congress sets the law, not unelected regulators.”
The bill defines “guidance” as non-binding financial agency statements of general applicability and outlines nine federal financial agencies subject to the new requirement, including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, SEC, and CFPB.
“We’ve already passed bipartisan legislation like the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act to support fair, transparent regulation of emerging industries,” Meuser said. “The SAFE Guidance Act builds on that by ensuring regulators don’t undermine congressional intent through back channels.”
H.R. 4460 passed in committee 26 to 23.
The legislation now moves to the House floor for further consideration.
Identity theft protection shred event set for Saturday, July 26
State Rep. Jim Haddock, state Sen. Marty Flynn, the Duryea Police Department, Duryea Crime Watch and Hughestown Crime Watch invite residents to protect themselves from identity theft during a Community Shred Day.
The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 26, at Healey Playground, Wright Street and Foote Avenue in Duryea.
“A company will be on hand to securely destroy the sensitive materials, giving people the peace of mind that their personal information cannot and will not end up in the wrong hands,” said Haddock, D-Pittston Township.
Haddock said items to shred include old bills, bank statements, medical records, canceled checks, old tax returns or any documents that people would like to be permanently destroyed.
There is a limit of two boxes of documents per household. Staples or paperclips do not need to be removed, but documents should be taken out of binders and notebooks.
Anyone with questions may call Haddock’s office at 570-655-4883.
Senior Expo for 117th District residents set for Tuesday, Aug. 12
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free Senior Expo on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Misericordia University’s Insalaco Hall, 301 Lake St., Dallas.
The expo will feature more than 30 vendors offering information and services for seniors. Several breakout sessions will be held on topics like estate planning, Area Agency on Aging programs, Silver Sneakers chair yoga, low-income taxpayer assistance information, cyber security and fraud bingo.
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department will also be in attendance to help search for unclaimed property.
Free hearing tests and light refreshments will be available.
For information, call Walsh’s Dallas office at 570-675-6000.
Walsh to host concealed carry seminar Thursday, July 31
Walsh also invites constituents from the 117th Legislative District to attend his upcoming concealed carry seminar.
The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 31, in Cornerstone Bible Church, 208 Church Road, Nescopeck. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The seminar will be presented by Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce. Attendees will learn about Pennsylvania’s Castle Doctrine and the process for acquiring a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
“This is a great opportunity for constituents interested in concealed carrying to learn more about the process of getting a permit and the laws in our state,” said Walsh. “The right to bear arms is clearly spelled out in the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions. I hope people take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Pennsylvania’s laws, so they can be effective advocates for our rights and confident in their ability to legally defend themselves.”
To register or ask a question about the seminar, contact Walsh’s Dallas office at 570-675-6000, or his Sugarloaf office at 570-359-2138.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.