Utilities Archives - Community Legal Services

How To Participate in The 2025 Philadelphia Water Rate Case

*Highlights, UtilitiesBy Julian Layton April 9, 2025

The four 2025 Philadelphia Water Rate Case Public Input Hearings will be held at the following times: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1pm. In-person hearing at the Philadelphia Gas Commission, 1515 Arch St, 18th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6pm. Virtual/Telephonic hearing. Information will be posted at https://www.phila.gov/departments/water-sewer-storm-water–rate-board/rate-proceedings/2025-general-proceeding/ Wednesday, April…

Proposed Settlement with the Philadelphia Water Department to Save Philadelphians $13 million

*Highlights, UtilitiesBy Zakya Hall June 5, 2024

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…

How to Prevent Water Shutoffs

*Highlights, UtilitiesBy Zakya Hall May 2, 2024

This information was last updated on April 1, 2026. Download flyer with this information here. (Versión en español.) 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…

How to Prevent Gas and Electric Shutoffs

*Highlights, Coronavirus, UtilitiesBy admin May 2, 2024

This information was last updated on April 1, 2026. Download flyer with this information here. (Versión en español.) 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…

Support Legislation to Increase Energy and Water Access for Pennsylvanians

*Highlights, UtilitiesBy rachel April 17, 2024

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…

New Report: As Temperatures Rise, PA Must Expand LIHEAP to Cover Cooling Needs

*Highlights, News, UtilitiesBy Zakya Hall June 8, 2023

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…

How To Participate in The 2023 Philadelphia Water Rate Case

*Highlights, UtilitiesBy rachel March 9, 2023

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 …

Philadelphia Water Department proposing to Raise Rates by $240 Million

*Highlights, UtilitiesBy admin February 2, 2023

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…

CLS Is Open for Live Legal Help!

*Highlights, Consumer Rights, Criminal Records, Employment, Family, Housing, Public Benefits, Seniors, UtilitiesBy rachel July 21, 2022

We have new hours as of February 2, 2026. Please see below for details. You can visit our Center City and North Philadelphia offices on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or call our live hotline Monday – Thursday. We also offer help for landlord-tenant issues five days a week at our Center City office and by phone, as…

CLS is working to keep water rates affordable, and we need your help!

UtilitiesBy admin March 18, 2022

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…

Category Archives: Utilities