CLS is pleased to announce our proposed settlement agreement with the Philadelphia Water Department regarding the proposed annual adjustment to the rates, called the TAP-R rates, that fund discounts to participants in the Tiered Assistance Program (TAP). If approved, this settlement will save customers more than $13 million between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 compared…
This information was last updated on April 16, 2024. Download flyer with this information here. Raise Your Hand Program If you or a member of your household is a senior (65 years or older), has a disability, or is a child (under 18 years old), your water service will not be shut off under PWD’s…
This information was last updated on April 16, 2024. Download flyer with this information here. If you live in Philadelphia and are behind on your gas or electric bills or have already received a shutoff notice, follow these steps right away to avoid losing service. Apply for grant assistance Apply for grants from LIHEAP (applications…
In 2023, over 330,000 Pennsylvanian households had their gas, electric, or water shut off because they could not afford to pay – and nearly 25% of Pennsylvanians reported foregoing food, medicine, and other basic needs to keep up with utility costs.[1] Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code creates unreasonable challenges for low and…
None of us can afford climate change, but the costs are even higher for Black and Brown people, cities, rural communities, and low-income families. PA must allocate permanent state supplemental funding to make LIHEAP available year round. Summer of 2022 was one of the hottest summers on record in Pennsylvania’s history, and temperatures will only…
The four 2023 Philadelphia Water Rate Case Public Hearings will by held at the following times by Zoom and Phone: Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 3:00 and 6:00 pm Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 3:00 and 6:00 pm To join any hearing: Visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2562489871?pwd=SWRWSEtDb0phbmNlTDg5RGxlRmlFZz09or Dial 267-831-0333 Meeting ID: 256 248 9871Passcode: 12345 …
Last week, Community Legal Services learned that the Philadelphia Water Department is proposing to increase water rates by $240 million over the next two years. This increase will raise water bills for Philadelphia families by more than 20%, costing them between $130 and $275 more per year. At a time when families are struggling to…
You can now get live help every weekday at Community Legal Services! We are open for live in-person intake at our Center City and North Philadelphia offices as well as live telephone intake. CLS provides bilingual help or interpreters at no cost as needed. For a detailed list of issues we can help with, visit…
CLS represents the interests of Philly residential and small business customers as the ‘Public Advocate’ in water rate proceedings. Last year, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) asked the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board for a $141 Million rate increase over two years. We reached a settlement that saved Philly residents nearly $84…
Are you behind on your water bill? DHS’ new Water Assistance Program can help! The Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is now available to provide low-income Pennsylvanians with help on water bills. What help is available? LIHWAP will pay your water provider the amount needed to prevent a shut off or restore…
