Press Release

PUC to Host ‘Be Utility Wise’ Event in Northeast PA to Train the Trainer on Consumer Assistance, ‘Prepare Now’ for Winter Energy Costs

Published on 10/17/2014

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications Transportation and Safety

WILKES-BARRE – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host its second annual Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton "Be Utility Wise" event, “Connecting the Dots to Financial Stability,” from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, at Mohegan Sun Convention Center.

“As we have learned in winters past, it’s critical that we educate consumers and equip them with both resources and knowledge to help them ‘Prepare Now’ for winter, both physically and monetarily,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “In order to do this, we must first educate our industry workers who are on the front lines and working with consumers every day. The last thing we want is for families to struggle to heat their homes and pay their utility bills this winter.”

In addition to networking opportunities, the event will feature presentations from state agencies, local utility companies and other financial assistance programs in order to share ideas and services. Presenters will discuss the process of shopping for an electric supplier, financial assistance programs for utility customers, energy conservation and weatherization, protecting against utility scams and more.

This year’s participants include the PUC, the Department of Public Welfare, the Commission on Economic Opportunity, the United Way, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, UGI Utilities Inc., Pennsylvania American Water, Conservation Consultants Inc., Pennsylvania CareerLink, Self-Determination Housing Project of PA Inc. and Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton Be Utility Wise event is one of five of its kind occurring in the Commonwealth this fall. Other event locations include Pittsburgh, Berks County, Johnstown and Harrisburg.

Prepare Now for winter energy costs. Learn more about conservation. Check your electric and natural gas bills and supplier contracts. Use PAPowerSwitch.com to shop for service. Look into programs that help low-income customers maintain service. Visit www.puc.pa.gov and click on "Prepare Now" or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380. #PrepareNow

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722