SB 154 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Public Utility Code, providing for responsible utility customer protection.

SB 154 creates new rules to protect residential utility customers in Pennsylvania from unfair billing practices. It requires utilities to offer flexible payment arrangements when customers experience a significant income drop (20% for households above 200% of the federal poverty level), prohibits charging surcharges for unpaid bills, and mandates medical certificates for service continuation during health crises. The bill directly affects residential customers - especially those in low-income assistance programs like LIHEAP - and utilities, by limiting cash deposits, banning termination for non-payment without notice, and requiring transparent reporting of delinquent accounts. Key provisions include banning late-fee waivers for those who qualify for assistance programs and ensuring service remains available on reasonable terms.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 23, 2025 Last action Feb 4, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Feb 3, 2025

How they voted

417
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 49
Feb 3, 2025
D Democratic22
14 Yea 7 Nay 1
63% Yea
R Republican27
27 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Feb 4, 2025
Committee
Referred to Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities
lower
Feb 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
upper
Jan 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
Re-reported as committed
upper
Jan 28, 2025
Committee
Re-referred to Appropriations
upper
Jan 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported as committed
upper
Jan 23, 2025
Committee
Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors