West Central PA News

On Thursday, Rep. Abby Major and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail, held the third hearing in a series focused on affordable and reliable energy for Pennsylvania residents. The session titled "Balancing Your Budget and Thermostat: Consumer-Focused Energy Policy" included testimonies from several individuals including Michael Butler of the Consumer Energy Alliance, Deb Davis and Scott Waitvertch from Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, as well as local residents Steve Craven and McKenna DeWitt.

Utility companies like Columbia Gas have long provided customer assistance programs for those struggling to pay their bills. However, DeWitt highlighted ongoing challenges despite working 40-50 hours weekly with a steady income. She noted that her utility expenses are nearly half of her monthly rent. “I shouldn't be asking for assistance,” she expressed. “Something is not right."

Rep. Major emphasized the importance of listening to constituents who face difficulties with rising utility costs. She stated, “It is important we listen to their stories, how the increased energy costs are negatively impacting their lives, and then take what we hear back to Harrisburg and develop commonsense energy policy.” Major criticized the Shapiro administration's current energy policies as overly complex and harmful to consumers' finances, jobs, the environment, and national security.

House Republicans have proposed an alternative package of energy bills aimed at benefiting all these areas positively. Kail remarked on Pennsylvania's potential as an energy leader saying, “We have the answers in Pennsylvania... We need to leverage our position, not stifle it. The world is a better place with Pennsylvania energy.”

The full hearing is available for viewing online.