Press Release

PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services Helps 2 Millionth Customer

Published on 12/1/2005

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that its Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) has served 2 million customers since the Bureau was officially established in 1977. The PUC receives thousands of complaints and inquires annually regarding utility service and quality.

“I commend Pennsylvania utility customers for taking the time to reach out to the PUC with concerns about their utility service,” said PUC Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “It is our job to ensure that Pennsylvania consumers have safe, reliable and reasonably priced public utilities.”

The 2 millionth complainant presented a challenging case that involved jurisdictional issues as well as water quality issues. An 80-year-old mobile home park resident and her daughter were disputing a high water bill and poor water quality. Unable to solve the issue with the park management, who acts as the water reseller for the mobile home park residents, the family turned to the PUC's complaint hotline. With PUC intervention, the customer's account was credited. While the PUC, has no jurisdiction over the mobile home park the investigator's inquiry made a difference for this customer.

BCS responds to and investigates consumer complaints, provides utility-related information to consumers and monitors utility compliance with PUC regulations.

Consumers can call the complaint hotline, 1-800-782-1110 to file a complaint.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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