Investigates

11 Investigates: Potential solution for high electric bills in Ellwood City

ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. — There’s a potential solution for some residents dealing with skyrocketing electric bills.

For nearly a year, Channel 11 has been telling you about the battle over electric bills in Ellwood City.

"There are people in my neighborhood who don't have central air and their electric bill is higher than mine,” said Valerie Paglia, an Ellwood City resident.

A new bill in Harrisburg could force the borough to change how it operates the utility.

"It's not just about Ellwood City, it's about protecting people from an overreaching government,” said Rep. Aaron Bernstine.

Bernstine plans to introduce a bill that focuses on borough and municipal-run utilities such as Ellwood Electric. It would prevent them from being used as a taxation tool and only allow rate changes every three months.

"People in Ellwood City are being taken advantage of when it comes to Ellwood City Electric. I'm not going to condone that in any way, shape or form. I'm going to do everything in my power to stop that, which is exactly what this bill does," Bernstein said.

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Ellwood City Council has repeatedly denied that it’s using the utility to tax residents.

In a statement to Channel 11, Borough Manager Bob Villella said, "The development of a local rate structure is best maintained and addressed on the local level. People are able to voice their opinions to the elected board of directors regularly."

Customers, including Paglia, just want their bills to be lowered.

"It's very frustrating because you have to watch how you spend your money on groceries, bills and everything else,” she said.

Bernstine plans to introduce the bill in Harrisburg in the coming weeks. He said he’s confident it will pass and changes will be made in Ellwood City.

 

Cox Media Group

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