Press Release

PUC Releases Letters from Electric, Natural Gas Utility CEOs in Response to Call to Help Consumers ‘Prepare Now,’ ‘Stay Warm’

Published on 2/8/2010

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG –In response to a letter from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) urging electric and natural gas utilities to take extra steps to help consumers “Prepare Now” for the higher costs of winter heating, utilities have responded with suggested actions they plan to implement.  The PUC today released those responses.

The PUC’s Oct. 16 letter which was signed by all five PUC Commissioners, was sent to electric and natural gas utilities under the PUC’s jurisdiction asking the utilities to join the PUC in reaching out and educating consumers. The letter contained specific suggestions as to how the utilities can help. The utilities were asked to inform PUC Chairman James H. Cawley of any plans they will be putting into place.  Each of the companies’ responses can be found on the PUC website.

“Unfortunately, many utility consumers who need help are still unaware of the programs available to help them restore or maintain utility service,” the PUC’s Oct. 16 letter said. “Just as we at the PUC will be reminding consumers who call us about the availability of such programs, we urge all utilities to increase their outreach efforts to make sure that all customers receive information about any program for which they may be eligible. Utilities have more flexibility under the law to make allowances for customers, many of whom find they are asking for help for the first time in these difficult financial times.”

In addition, the PUC’s letter appeals to the companies to increase efforts to educate consumers with limited or fixed incomes about special programs such as Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) and Low Income Usage Reduction Programs (LIURP), which assist consumers in paying their energy bills and controlling their energy usage. The letter also stresses the importance of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the impact the program has on helping low-income consumers restore and maintain service.

The Commission’s focus for the seventh year of its “Prepare Now” outreach campaign is increasing consumer awareness on rising energy prices; exploring ways to reduce energy usage; educating consumers about the availability of low-income programs; and increasing awareness for safe home heating. 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 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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