AARP Pennsylvania Applauds Governor Shapiro’s Efforts to Lower Utility Costs for Pennsylvanians

AARP Pennsylvania joined Governor Josh Shapiro this week as he announced a significant agreement with PJM Interconnection that is aimed at protecting consumers from steep electricity price hikes. The agreement is not just a win for Pennsylvania, but for the entire PJM region, which spans 13 states and the District of Columbia. It marks a significant victory all residents, particularly older adults who are often disproportionately impacted by rising energy costs.

At a press conference held at Mid-Penn Legal Services in Harrisburg, Governor Shapiro, along with representatives from AARP Pennsylvania, legal services advocates, legislative leaders, and older Pennsylvanians, highlighted the importance of this agreement in preventing historic energy price hikes and ensuring affordable, reliable electricity across the Commonwealth.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director, spoke at the event, emphasizing the crucial role this agreement plays in supporting the financial stability of older Pennsylvanians.

“As the largest nonprofit advocating for over 3 million Pennsylvanians age 50 and older, including our 1.8 million members, we know that rising utility costs are a major concern across the Commonwealth and the country,” said Johnston-Walsh. “In fact, a November 2024 AARP survey found that 70% of voters age 50 and older are very worried about their personal financial situation, with utility and food costs being the top drivers of their financial stress.”

Johnston-Walsh reinforced AARP Pennsylvania’s commitment to advocating for fair and reasonable utility prices: “Far too often, we see headlines about rising electric, gas, and water costs. These increases make it harder for older Pennsylvanians—many of whom live on fixed incomes—to afford to stay in their homes. That’s why we applaud Governor Shapiro and his team for taking decisive action to prevent energy cost increases that would have stretched the pocketbooks of Pennsylvania residents far beyond their capacity.”

AARP Pennsylvania remains committed to fighting for fair utility pricing, promoting awareness of available assistance programs like LIHEAP and weatherization programs, and ensuring that home energy consumers know their rights.

“As we stand here today with Governor Shapiro, Mid-Penn Legal Services, the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project,” Johnston-Walsh continued, “we reaffirm our mission to protect Pennsylvanians from unfair rate increases and support their ability to age in place with dignity.”

Pennsylvania offers several programs to help residents manage energy costs and housing expenses. The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income households reduce energy bills by improving home energy efficiency through services like insulation and heating system repairs. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides cash grants and crisis assistance to help eligible households pay heating bills. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program offers rebates to qualifying seniors, widowed individuals, and people with disabilities to offset property taxes or rent costs. Pennsylvanians can take advantage of these programs to ease financial burdens and improve home comfort.