Press Release

PUC Chairman Powelson Urges Utility, Human Service Reps to Help Consumers 'Prepare Now' During ‘Be Wise’ Event in Berks County

Published on 10/27/2014

Filed under: Electric Gas

WYOMISSING – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today held its “Be Wise” event in Berks County.  Co-hosted by the PUC, local utilities and human service organizations, this year’s event, entitled “Human Services Across Generations,” took place at the Crowne Plaza, Wyomissing.

“Programs like today’s event offer us a great opportunity for those in the human service field to receive updates and information about utility programs and help us get the message out to customers,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson during his remarks.  “We are committed to helping customers minimize their bills while making the most of every dollar they spend on energy.  We encourage customers to take a few minutes to review their electric and natural gas supplier contracts and also to take control of their own energy usage through conservation.”

The event featured presentations from local health and social service agencies, local utility companies and other wellness organizations in order to share ideas and services. 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.

As part of its 12^th year educating consumers to “Prepare Now,” the PUC also issued a letter to utility CEOs last week, reminding them to take extra steps to help consumers, especially those on limited and fixed incomes.  Utilities have been asked to respond with actions they plan to implement.

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:

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