What This Means for You
- National utility regulators adopted a resolution recognizing renewable natural gas as a potential energy resource.
- Regulators also called on Congress to provide at least $4.2 billion annually for LIHEAP, a federal program that helps low-income households pay utility bills.
- Pennsylvania utility leaders say both efforts focus on reliability, affordability, and consumer protection.
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania utility regulators helped advance two national energy resolutions this week: one recognizing renewable natural gas as a strategic resource, and another urging sustained federal funding for low-income energy assistance.
Both measures were adopted by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners during its 2026 Winter Policy Summit in Washington, D.C.
Renewable Natural Gas Recognized as Energy Resource
PUC Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss sponsored and helped advance a resolution acknowledging renewable natural gas, commonly referred to as RNG, as a potential tool in meeting growing energy demand.
Renewable natural gas is produced from organic waste sources such as agricultural manure, food waste, landfill gas, and wastewater treatment byproducts. The process captures methane — a greenhouse gas — that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere and refines it for use in existing natural gas pipelines.
The resolution highlights RNG as one possible component of a diversified energy portfolio, meaning a mix of different energy sources used to maintain system reliability and affordability.
It also calls for clear regulatory frameworks — including defined cost recovery mechanisms, interconnection standards, and market-based procurement options — to guide how utilities could incorporate RNG into long-term planning.
Cost recovery mechanisms are regulatory tools that allow utilities to recover approved project costs through customer rates, subject to oversight by state commissions.
State utility commissions, including Pennsylvania’s, regulate investor-owned electric, gas, water, and telecommunications utilities to ensure rates are just and reasonable and service remains safe and reliable.
Federal LIHEAP Funding Resolution
In a separate action, PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank helped lead a national discussion on energy affordability that resulted in adoption of a resolution supporting adequate and predictable federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP.
LIHEAP is a federal program that provides grants to states to help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, prevent service shutoffs, and fund weatherization and energy efficiency improvements.
The resolution urges Congress and the Administration to provide no less than $4.2 billion annually for LIHEAP, advance appropriations to ensure funding is available before peak winter and summer seasons, and full staffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to distribute funds efficiently.
State utility commissions do not administer LIHEAP directly, but they oversee utilities that coordinate with state agencies and community organizations when customers seek assistance.
Focus on Affordability and Reliability
The actions come amid rising energy demand across residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors, as well as increased concern about affordability during extreme weather events.
Pennsylvania officials said both resolutions reflect ongoing efforts by regulators to balance reliability, affordability, consumer protections, and environmental considerations.
Chairman DeFrank and PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow both serve on NARUC’s Board of Directors, representing Pennsylvania in national energy policy discussions.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission continues to engage with federal and state policymakers, utilities, and stakeholders as part of its oversight of essential utility services across the Commonwealth.
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