On July 1st, Harry Geller will retire from the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) after more than four decades of incredible legal services advocacy.
Leading PULP for twenty-seven years, Harry has played a pivotal role in positioning Pennsylvania as a state with some of the strongest programs for low-income utility consumers.
Just a few of the incredible victories that PULP has achieved with Harry’s guidance include:
- Advocating for $25 million of federal economic stimulus funds to be focused toward weatherization of low-income housing;
- Protecting consumers from having to pay the utility bills of their landlords or neighbors by reversing the Public Utility Commission’s policy that held tenants responsible;
- Modifying the way that the Department of Public Welfare administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) cash grants, providing millions of dollars of additional benefits to low-income consumers each year, as well as greater protection against service shut off;
- Representing low-income utility customers in negotiating an agreement with gas companies that eliminates security deposits and initial enrollment payments, providing significant discounts for low-income customers and resulting in $55 million in savings across the state.
Harry has also served as the Chair of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the PA Department of Public Welfare; The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Consumer Advisory Council; and the Pennsylvania Legal Services Utility/Energy Law Group.
Harry’s accomplishments advocating for low-income Pennsylvanians is perhaps only matched by his impact on his colleagues, acting as a mentor and friend for countless attorneys. Those who have had the privilege of working with Harry most often speak to his dedication to legal services and kind, supportive nature.
“Pennsylvania is so lucky to have had Harry as a low income utility advocate. I just attended the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition conference. Although we still have much unmet need, PA has some of the best low income utility programs in the nation and due in no small part from Harry’s advocacy.”
– Thu B. Tran, Senior Staff Attorney at Community Legal Services
“Harry has a gentle but persistent soul that will not put up with injustice.”
– Donald Marritz, Former Regional Housing Legal Services Staff Attorney
“Harry is, and will always continue to be, an inspirational advocate for fair utility rates and policies for all low-income and vulnerable Pennsylvanians. I have deep admiration for his calm and thoughtful leadership at PULP/RHLS for many years.”
– Judy Berkman, Managing Attorney at Regional Housing Legal Services
“Harry is patient but persistent, a profound thinker, a great communicator, passionate about utilities for our clients, honest, compassionate, a truly lovely human being. I feel very blessed that I have gotten to work with Harry through the years and wish him the very best in retirement.”
– Phyllis Guillaume, Chief Financial Office at Regional Housing Legal Services
“I have worked with many passionate and caring advocates through my career, but none as uniquely gifted, unwaveringly steadfast, and intrinsically kind as Harry. Harry’s passion for justice is infectious, and is evident in everything he does. I am honored to have worked with and learned from Harry, and feel privileged to call him a friend.”
– Elizabeth Marx, Staff Attorney, the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project
“I have had the privilege of working with some great people during my time in legal aid and Harry is among the best; he is the kindest, most patient and optimistic person that I know. To my knowledge, Harry is intolerant of only one thing: injustice for the poor. In the work that we do, Harry is well known at THE voice on behalf of low-income families on utility law issues. Because of Harry’s leadership, PULP is a well-respected organization that is taken seriously despite our meager resources. PULP and its clients have been blessed by Harry’s steady hand during the last 27 years, and we are even more blessed by his generous offer to remain available to us in his new role as Senior Counsel.”
– Patrick Cicero, Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project
On July 1st, Harry will transition to a Senior Counsel role with PULP, continuing to provide guidance and wisdom in utility matters. Patrick Cicero, current Co-Director, will assume the leadership of the program as PULP Executive Director.
All of us at Regional Housing Legal Services count ourselves lucky to have worked with Harry. We wish him the absolute best as he begins his next adventure.