Press Release
PUC Joins Agencies, Utilities to Work with Community-Based Organizations to ‘Be Utility Wise’
Published on 9/18/2008
Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications
HARRISBURG – As home heating costs continue to rise and utility consumers begin to think about the winter heating season, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, will join other state agencies, utilities and social-service organizations to work with community-based organizations on how to “Be Utility Wise.”
About 200 health and human service agency professionals will gather for the event from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at the Holiday Inn/Pittsburgh Airport in Moon Township. There they will learn more about programs available to help low-income utility consumers restore and maintain service such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Dollar Energy Fund as well as utility Consumer Assistance Programs, Low Income Usage Reduction Programs and hardship funds.
“We can reach consumers across Pennsylvania and urge them to take the appropriate steps to ensure safety and conserve energy this winter heating season,” said Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli. “We must all continue to work together to make certain those who work with low-income families and seniors on a daily basis have the tools they need to provide help. We also need to emphasize the importance of safe home heating. Be Utility Wise combined with efforts such as the PUC’s Prepare Now campaign and Gov. Rendell’s Stay Warm PA initiative puts the information into the hands of people who need it most.”
On Sept. 11, 2008, the PUC released a winter heating report, which is broken down by company, and shows that the average natural gas customer using 15 Mcf of natural gas will see their monthly bill increase by $38.12 (17.69 percent) from $218.69 in winter 2007 to $256.80 in winter 2008. The average electric customer using 2,000 kwh of electricity will see their monthly bill increase by $17.65 (7.83 percent) from $208.49 in winter 2007 to $226.14 in winter 2008. Some prices consumers actually pay will be higher and others lower – depending on usage, and changes in market prices relative to these estimated prices. Charts of the electric and natural gas bills are available on the Commission's Web site.
The theme for this year’s Be Utility Wise is “Enhance Your Toolbox.” This event also will offer a series of panel discussions from experts on low-income issues such as fraud and identity theft as well as the housing crisis. Pre-registration was required and attendees will receive a resource guide with contact information about presenters.
The Be Utility Wise program was created in the 1980s, with the mission to educate consumers, health and human service providers about utility-related issues, social service programs and provide educational resources to enhance the quality of life for consumers in PA. The PUC partners with utilities, other state agencies and consumer organizations on these events.
Be Utility Wise’s annual conference is made possible by sponsorship and participation from the PUC, Allegheny Power, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Conservation Consultants Inc., Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Western Pennsylvania, Holy Family Institute, Dominion Peoples, Duquesne Light Co., Equitable Gas Co., Dollar Energy Fund, OASIS, Pennsylvania American Water Co., Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Co.
On Sept. 11, 2008, the Commission kicked off its sixth winter in which it is urging consumers to “Prepare Now.” The message is simple: “Prepare Now” for higher energy costs this winter. Learn about changes in the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights. Save money by learning how to conserve energy. Heat your home safely. Explore budget billing options. Look into programs that help low-income customers restore and maintain service. Visit www.puc.state.pa.us, and click on “Prepare Now” or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380. The PUC also is actively participating in Gov. Rendell’s third annual Stay Warm PA campaign. Visit www.staywarmpa.com for more information.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.
For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.
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