HOW CAN I HELP?

Ishmael Alejo
Pennsylvania Utility Law Project
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Law school is full of ambiguity, mystery, and questions.  I didn’t really know what type of law I wanted to practice or whether I would even practice law in the traditional sense.  The one thing I was sure of coming into law school was that I wanted to help people and impact someone’s life.  In order to help me gain some perspective and clarity to some of my questions, I participated in various activities such as the intake committee for the ACLU, volunteered on community projects with my fraternity Phi Alpha Delta, and did an internship with government agencies such as the District Attorney and the Attorney General.  These activities have helped me grow as an individual, but I still felt incomplete with regard to my desire in making an impact on someone’s life.  At that point, that was when I decided to accept the opportunity offered to me by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Internship Program. 

My summer as a Martin Luther King, Jr. Intern has been a very motivating and educational experience.  From the beginning of the program I was instantly impressed and inspired by the instructors and staff of Pennsylvania Legal Services.  I was amazed by the instructors and staff during the training sessions because of their dedication and the length of time that these individuals have worked in the public interest field.  Their passion and concern towards the plight of the low-income individual emanated from their presentations.  It was very inspiring and encouraging to hear their personal experiences.   

Furthermore, my placement at the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project gave me an opportunity to learn about a new field of law that I have never dealt with before.  When I first began working at PULP I found the material to be intimidating and confusing.  Fortunately, I had a supervisor who was very knowledgeable about the subject and provided guidance with my research and work.  Harry is a well respected figure in the field of utility law and this is obvious just by observing his interactions with other attorneys, politicians, and government officials.  By working with Harry, I was able to learn about several utility issues that low-income individuals face.  I was given plenty of responsibility with regard to research and writing such as filing comments on behalf of PEAWC for the proposed 2005 LIHEAP State Plan, looking up rates for all the utility companies throughout the Commonwealth, and to contact LIHEAP directors from other States. 

One fact that has stuck with me by working in PULP is that low-income households spend a larger percentage of their income on utility expenses compared to those of higher income households.  This problem puts families and individuals in a dangerous situation where they have to choose to forgo utilities thus making their living conditions life threatening.  Fortunately, there are some programs that are specifically aimed at helping these individuals such as LIHEAP and Universal Services mandated by the PUC.  However, more work needs to be done with regard to energy assistance.  Not all of the eligible families know of such programs or apply, and those that do apply do not receive enough protection.  The reason for the need for such high protection standards is that the utility companies are in a unique position since they are monopolies that control essential elements to sustaining life.

As I finish up the summer, working at PULP has made me more eager to learn.  I plan on continuing my education by working at PULP during the academic year.  Finally, my experience during the summer has not only reinforced my desire to serve the public but has also encouraged me to pursue a career in legal services.