‘The Bills Are Too High’: PA House leaders confirm commitment to energy affordability
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus November 19, 2025 | 1:51 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – Today, state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Danilo Burgos, both D-Phila., and Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, held a news conference to highlight the growing crisis of energy affordability and the steps PA House Democrats are taking to protect Pennsylvania ratepayers. As chairs of the House Energy Committee, the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee, and the House Majority Caucus, respectively, the representatives shared their commitments to forward-thinking energy policy.
“Pennsylvania needs good jobs. We need economic activity, and we support technological innovation. But the companies that are counting on making a big profit in our state should also be willing to shoulder their fair share of costs,” said Fiedler. “If you do business in Pennsylvania -- if you want to make money off Pennsylvanians -- then you should respect us enough to pay your fair share, so that costs aren’t passed down to working people and families trying to make ends meet.”
Energy prices have skyrocketed in recent years, largely because of the overwhelming demand from data centers. As a result of rising prices, utility shutoffs are increasing with nearly 338,000 shutoffs this year, and 1 out of 5 Pennsylvanians report problems paying utility bills. In this context, federal budget delays and cuts to assistance programs like LIHEAP will have harmful effects on Pennsylvania residents.
“As chairman of the Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee, my priority is the economic wellbeing of Pennsylvania households,” said Burgos. “Right now, the rising cost of energy is placing an unacceptable strain on families, seniors on fixed incomes, and our small businesses. Energy is not a luxury -- it is a basic necessity. Consumers must be protected from runaway costs and unfair practices.”
The surge in energy demand can be met with the buildout of renewable energy like wind and solar, which are the cheapest and fastest to build. Regulation of data centers and increased oversight over the grid can also alleviate these issues.
“Energy affordability is a right, not a privilege,” said Matzie. “Heating your home or apartment is not a luxury -- it’s a necessity. Prices are rising too quickly, and we in the House Democratic Caucus are focused and dedicated to taking action.”
Around 300,000 Pennsylvanians depend on LIHEAP, the federal utility assistance program, to help pay their utility bills. This year, the program’s opening was delayed because of the federal shutdown, causing problems for many residents. Karriem Sweets, a North Philadelphia community leader with POWER Interfaith, spoke at the news conference about the importance of LIHEAP. Sweets assists neighbors with the LIHEAP application and has also relied on the program.
"I am someone who cares deeply about my community. I see the pain firsthand as a resident,” said Sweets. “Some people I saw during appointments had to choose between food and paying other bills. We must ensure programs like LIHEAP receive consistent funding. Families cannot be treated as collateral damage.”