Press Release

PUC ‘Be Utility Wise’ Event of the Tri Region to Urge Utilities to Help Customers ‘Prepare Now’ for Winter Energy Costs

Published on 11/7/2014

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host its annual “Be Utility Wise” program of the Tri Region, “Sharing Resources to Heighten Consumer Education and Awareness,” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at the Holiday Inn East, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg.

“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 state agencies, local utility companies and other financial assistance programs in order to “train the trainer” on services to aid consumers. A panel of experts will discuss shopping for electricity; customer assistance programs for electric, gas and water; the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP; weatherization and conservation; protection against scams and fraud; the consumer complaint process; family services; aging services; and other valuable services to help families in need this winter.

This year’s participants include the PUC, the Department of Public Welfare, the Office of Consumer Advocate, the Department of Aging, the Department of Banking and Securities, PPL Electric Utilities, FirstEnergy, Pennsylvania American Water, Columbia Gas, UGI Utilities Inc., Conservation Consultants, Inc. and Tri-County Community Action.

The Tri Region Be Utility Wise event is the last of five of its kind to occur in the Commonwealth this fall. Other event locations included Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre, Berks County and Johnstown.

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