Cephas asks utilities to delay billing consumers during government shutdown

Loss of federal aid comes at difficult time

Philadelphia House Delegation    October 27, 2025 | 3:44 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 – As the absence of both a state and federal budget begin to be felt, state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. is urging area utility providers to consider a delay in requiring customer payments. The state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program is delaying applications until Dec. 3 contingent on federal funding. Compounding that problem, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is delaying their payments in November, meaning residents who rely on SNAP for help with groceries must now spend more of their earnings on food.

Cephas said the combination of losing multiple life-sustaining aid programs during this time of year is a worst-case scenario.  

“As temperatures begin to drop near freezing overnight this is the worst time for Philadelphians to lose LIHEAP heating assistance,” Cephas said.

“Making matters worse, the cruelty of the Trump administration refusing to use contingency funding for SNAP means that families will be spending even more to keep food on their table, with less for other necessities. I’m asking PGW, PECO, and the Philadelphia Water Department to be intentional about extending compassionate consideration for working Philadelphians and folks on a fixed income while these crucial aid programs are unavailable through no fault of their own. People should not have to choose between food on the table and keeping their home habitable.

“I’m hopeful that negotiations at the state and federal levels will produce budgets that prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable in Pennsylvania and restart providing aid to those who need it.”

Cephas said that in lieu of a reprieve, utility providers do offer their own assistance plans so people in need should contact their provider directly about their options or contact the PUC for information.

The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street including Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more.