Press Release

Natural Gas Utilities, Suppliers and Experts to Brief PUC on Reliability for Winter

Published on 10/27/2009

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced its annual Winter Reliability Assessment meeting, which provides a snapshot of various conditions that may affect natural gas supply, price and service reliability for the upcoming winter, will be held Nov. 5 in Harrisburg.

The Winter Reliability Assessment meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building. Representatives from the PUC, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, PECO Energy Co., UGI Energy Services and Texas Eastern Interstate Pipeline will provide information.  An agenda is available on the PUC’s website.

The annual meeting builds on the PUC’s efforts to help consumers “Prepare Now” for winter.  This month, the Commission kicked off the campaign by sending a letter to electric and natural gas utilities urging them to take extra steps to help consumers “Prepare Now” for winter heating costs.

This is the seventh winter the Commission 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 annual Stay Warm PA campaign – “Turn Down. Seal Off. Save Up.” Visit www.turnsealsave.org 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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

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