Utility Assistance Account

Utility Assistance Account. There is established an account to be known as the “Utility Assistance Account (UAA),” which shall be separate from the General Fund. Funds appropriated to this account shall be expended by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) to supplement payments made to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Source: PL 15-110, § 2. Commission Comment: Public Law 15-110 was enacted on November 9, 2007 and contained the following findings and purpose in addition to severability and savings provisions: Section 1. Findings and Purpose. The Commonwealth Legislature finds that nearly 450 residents of the Commonwealth are recipients of financial assistance under the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This number was reduced from almost 700 a year ago due to utility disconnections. The Legislature further finds that LIHEAP currently provides assistance to low income consumers for electricity, but this assistance does not cover the full amount of most Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) billings. The Legislature finds that utility bills have become a burden on low income families, many of whom often have their power supply disconnected for nonpayment. The Legislature finds that the creation of a LIHEAP supplemental account from Tobacco Control Fund revenues will assist low income families in paying CUC bills in excess of the LIHEAP subsidy. This will ensure that vital power and water services remain connected, and that the health of low income families is not jeopardized by the rise in power rates in the Commonwealth.