Press Release

PUC Commissioners Join Butler County Agencies to Discuss Stay Warm PA Initiative

Published on 2/20/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas

BUTLER, Butler County – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy and Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner today participated in a focus group to discuss efforts that have been implemented to educate consumers on conserving energy and saving money as part of Gov. Rendell’s “Stay Warm” initiative and the Commission’s Prepare Now campaign.  

During his remarks, Vice Chairman Christy discussed the programs available for customers who need assistance.  "In these tough economic times, many Pennsylvanians are struggling to pay their utility bills, "said Vice Chairman Christy.  "It is important for consumers to know that there are programs available to help them meet these utility bills."

The Commissioners joined several local agencies and community organizations to discuss the Stay Warm efforts, including the Butler County United Way; the Butler County Emergency Relief Initiative; the Stay Warm Coalition of Butler County; the Dollar Energy Fund; County Assistance Office on Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and various utility companies’ customer service representatives.

Today’s event in Butler was a continuation of Gov. Rendell’s Stay Warm initiative, which kicked off in October 2008.  To boost public awareness, the Commonwealth launched the “Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up” outreach campaign to encourage residents to turn down their thermostats and seal off drafts in order to save as much as $740 in annual heating costs.  The campaign’s Web site, www.turnsealsave.org includes tips on how to make a home more energy efficient, contact information for financial assistance, and an online toolkit featuring resources people and organizations can use to raise awareness in their communities.

This also marks the sixth winter the PUC is reaching out to consumers through its “Prepare Now” campaign.  The PUC’s 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.

Commissioner Gardner noted the recent natural gas service reliability problems experienced by customers of Herman Oil & Gas Company in Butler County. 

“We have made the company aware of the support that is offered through the Commission,” said Commissioner Gardner.  “The Commission is here to assist small natural gas companies like Herman Oil & Gas to provide safe and reliable service to its customers.”

On Jan. 15, the Commission voted unanimously on a motion by Vice Chairman Christy and Commissioner Gardner to establish a task force to review each small natural gas utility under PUC jurisdiction to determine the ability of its distribution system to provide adequate and safe service to its customers. The task force is to begin with a review of Herman Oil & Gas Co., and will submit recommendations to the Commission by March 16, 2009.  Small natural gas utilities are defined by the state’s Public Utility Code as having intrastate operating revenues under $40 million. The PUC has 21 of those companies under its jurisdiction.

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