PENNSYLVANIA – As another dangerous heat wave hits Pennsylvania, Affordable Pennsylvania is calling on Reps. Mackenzie, Bresnahan and Perry to address the families who are forced to choose between staying safe and keeping up with rising utility bills that are due to their vote for the cost-increasing Republican Tax Law, which has driven up electricity prices by reducing investment in lower-cost energy sources and increasing reliance on more expensive ones.

"Working families don't need more excuses—we need relief. Every trip to the grocery store costs more than the last. Every time I fill my gas tank, I spend more money, yet it feels like I'm getting fewer miles out of every tank than I used to. My utility bills keep climbing. Insurance costs more. It's death by a thousand cuts,” said Stephanie, resident of Walnutport. “Families in our community aren't asking for handouts. We're asking for leaders who make lowering the cost of living their priority. We were promised relief, but instead many of us feel like we're falling further behind every month. Representative Mackenzie owes his constituents a clear answer: what specific actions is he taking to lower the everyday costs of groceries, gas, housing, healthcare, and other necessities? We don't need more talking points or photo opportunities—they need results."

An analysis found that changes implemented by the Republican Tax Law would raise energy bills for Pennsylvania households by $130 per year by 2030 and $160 per year by 2035. Electricity rates for Pennsylvania consumers are expected to rise 6% to 11% as utilities pass along higher costs. While families pay more, Pennsylvania’s economy is expected to lose $21 billion and tens of thousands of jobs. This is on top of the additional $450 all American households are being forced to spend on rising energy costs due to the Iran war.

Air conditioning is not a luxury during periods of extreme heat, but for many Pennsylvanians it has become another pain point in the affordability crisis they’re facing with rising costs for groceries, gas, health care, prescription drugs, and housing.

Working families in targeted congressional districts continue to face rising utility costs:

• PA-07 (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie): Electricity prices increased 10.1% since June 2025

• PA-08 (Rep. Rob Bresnahan): Electricity prices increased 8.4% since June 2025

• PA-10 (Rep. Scott Perry): Electricity prices increased 8.8% since June 2025

Combined with grocery price inflation of 8.2% in the state, one of the highest rates of inflation for food costs among the 50 states, these rising electricity costs are putting even greater pressure on working families who are already struggling to afford the basics. While households brace for another stretch of dangerous temperatures and higher utility bills, Reps. Mackenzie, Bresnahan, and Perry have yet to offer a plan to lower the everyday costs facing their constituents.

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