Press Release

PUC Joins Utilities, Health and Social Service Agencies of Berks County to Provide Education on How to “BeWise”

Published on 10/22/2008

Filed under: Electric Gas

BERKS COUNTY – As winter weather quickly approaches and energy prices are on the rise, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Friday, October 24, 2008, will join utilities and social-service organizations of Berks County to provide utility education and networking opportunities as a way to promote access, awareness and outreach to consumers in need and to “BeWise About Human Services.”

More than 200 health and human service agency professionals will gather for this 8^th annual BeWise educational event from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2008, at the Glad Tidings Church, 1110 Snyder Road, West Lawn, PA 19609 (Next to Austin’s Restaurant). There they will learn more about programs and services available to help low-income utility consumers maintain service such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, utility Consumer Assistance Programs, Low Income Usage Reduction Programs and hardship funds.

 “As home heating costs continue to rise and utility consumers begin to think about the winter heating season, it is important to get the right information into the hands of consumers who need it most,” said Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli.  “Efforts like the BeWise event in Berks County will help reach low-income consumers through the health and human service providers and utilities who have committed to spreading the message.”

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 BeWise program was created with the mission to educate consumers, health and human service providers and their staff about utility-related issues, social service programs and to provide educational resources and networking opportunities to help keep Pennsylvanians accurately informed and enhance the quality of their lives.

The BeWise annual educational event is made possible by sponsorship and participation from the PUC, Berks Community Action Program, County of Berks Human Services, County of Berks MH/MR and Health Choices Program, First Energy, Pennsylvania American Water, UGI Utilities Inc.

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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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov