PPA Participates In Discussions On Rollout Of State COVID Relief For Renters/Energy Costs

As previously reported in the EXPRESS, a state program aimed to give relief to renters impacted by the COVID economy for housing and energy costs has been enacted into law. Fuel oil and propane are eligible sources of energy defined under this statute.

This past week, PPA participated in a meeting with the PA Department of Human Services (that included utility company representatives) to discuss the plans for distributing the approximately $500 million federal funds allocated to the state for this purpose. There were few definitive answers provided in this meeting.

What is clear is that these funds will be distributed by the 67 counties (with them receiving a proportionate share of the total state appropriation). The state is in the process of developing guidelines in regard to program eligibility for county governments to use-which PPA will share with members upon receiving that information.

Although counties are still developing their plans, PPA strongly urges members interested in participating in this program to reach out to their county or counties NOW to inquire as to how they plan to administer this program.

This funding is separate and apart from LIHEAP.

TAP HERE for all articles in February 15 EXPRESS Update