Press Release

PUC Chairman to Speak at ‘Be Wise’ Event in Berks County to Urge Utilities to Help Consumers ‘Prepare Now’ for Winter Energy Costs

Published on 10/20/2014

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

WYOMISSING – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Robert F. Powelson will address utilities and human service agencies at next week’s “Be Wise” event in Berks County, urging them to help consumers “Prepare Now” for winter energy costs.

Co-hosted by the PUC, local utilities and human service organizations, this year’s event, entitled “Human Services Across Generations,” will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing.

“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.”

The event will feature presentations from local health and social service agencies, local utility companies and other wellness organizations in order to share ideas and services. Presenters will discuss consumer protection issues, including scams and fraud; gambling addiction and treatment options; family- and community-based therapy; home visitation programs available to pregnant and parenting families; weatherization and energy conservation; the Affordable Care Act and the new Health Insurance Marketplace; long-term living options for older adults; employment for young people; behavioral treatment for young children; and accessing consumer services during a transition of health and life.

This year’s participants include the PUC, the Office of the Attorney General, the Council on Chemical Abuse, Community Solutions Inc., Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County, Berks Community Action Program, FirstEnergy Corp., PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, UGI Utilities Inc., Berks Community Health Center, Berks County Area Agency on Aging, Job Corps, Reading Behavioral Health and Abilities in Motion.

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