The Federal Communication Commission voted to modernize the Lifeline program on March 31, 2016. This was a monumental achievement for many advocates around the country who have worked for years to modernize this critical low-income communications subsidy program.The Lifeline program was established in the mid-1980s to connect low-income households to emergency services, jobs, healthcare, teachers, [...]
On March 23, the D.C. Public Service Commission (DC PSC) gave final approval to the merger of Exelon Corporation and PHI Holdings (operating companies of Pepco, Delmarva, and Atlantic City Electric). The merger had previously been approved in the states of Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware, and at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Given [...]
Utility mergers are on the rise. In the third quarter of 2015, there were 42 “deals”, with 18 of those greater than $50 million, more big “deals” than in the prior two quarters combined. Twenty years ago, there were 100 publicly-traded, investor owned utilities. As of mid-2014, that number had shrunk to 48, and has [...]
With the traditional landline phone system, consumers can expect that if their home loses power, they can still pick up the phone and access emergency services by dialing 911. This is because during a power outage, the copper wire that supplied the phones lines conducted electricity and drew power from the phone company’s central office. [...]
High Utility Fixed Charges Harm Low Income, Elders and Households of Color Electric and natural gas utilities are undergoing sweeping change. Yet, home energy service remains a basic necessity of life. As utility industry technologies and economics change, rates, consumer protection policies, energy efficiency, and affordable payment programs must be designed to ensure that low-income home [...]
Every now and then I stop and wonder about how access to broadband has changed my life and my family’s lives. My son started ninth grade at our local public high school two weeks ago and his history teacher told us that students will have access to classwork “24/7 on demand” through Google Classroom where [...]
NCLC promotes cost-effective energy efficiency investments in affordable multifamily buildings through its work with state advocates, policymakers, and utility companies. These investments help owners maintain the buildings as affordable, and help tenants financially if they pay some or all of the utility bills. Policy Analysis Issue Brief: A Guide for Advocates to Recent Federal Covid-19 [...]
6/4/17 Los Angeles Times "These loans were created to help homeowners but for some they did the opposite" by Andrew Khouri with quotes by John Rao. Part 1 of 2.6/4/17 Los Angeles Times “With some borrowers struggling with a new kind of home-improvement loan, reforms are on the table” by Andrew Khouri with quote by John [...]
From Our Experts Report: Electric Service Discount and Arrearage Management Program Design Template, April 2020 Stay Connected Training: Utilities Advocacy in Massachusetts The Need for Essential Consumer Protections: Smart Metering Proposals and the Move to Time-based Pricing, Report, August 2010 Prepayment Meters and Low Income Consumers: Utility Arrearage Management Technology Threatens Utility Consumer Protections, June [...]
HOT TOPICS Testimony of NCLC attorney Jenifer Bosco before the MA Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure re: Competitive Electric Supply, January 27, 2020 Testimony of NCLC attorney Jenifer Bosco before the MA Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utiliites & Energy re: Competitive Energy Suppliers, Jan. 14, 2020; Press Release Issue Brief: Still No Relief [...]
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