Press Release

PUC Announces Special Hearing to Help Consumers “Prepare Now” for Winter Heating Costs, Discuss Proposed Changes to PA’s 2010 LIHEAP Plan

Published on 8/17/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today announced that it will hold a special en banc hearing on Thursday, Sept. 17, to receive comments in an effort to help customers prepare now for the winter heating season.

This hearing will specifically address the effect of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s (DPW) proposed policy changes to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the impact increasing energy costs will have on customer assistance programs. LIHEAP is a federal program that provides energy assistance grants to low income households who meet income eligibility requirements. 

The hearing, which initiates the PUC’s annual “Prepare Now” campaign to help customers better understand and prepare for winter heating costs, will be held at 9:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. The public is welcome to attend.

A Secretarial Letter has been issued as a save the date. More details will follow soon on the Announcements page of the PUC website as it is available. The five PUC Commissioners will conduct the en banc hearing to solicit comments from specific parties who are being invited. As part of the informal en banc hearing process, the Commissioners will pose questions to speakers after their testimony.

This marks the seventh winter in which the Commission is urging consumers to “Prepare Now.”  The message is simple: “Prepare Now” for higher energy costs this winter.  Learn about 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 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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Number M-2009-2123882

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722