Press Release

As Frigid Temperatures Continue, PUC Urges 16,601 Customers Without Heat-Related Utility Service to Act Now

Published on 2/4/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – With much of Pennsylvania experiencing frigid temperatures, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded the 16,601 consumers without use of a central heating system or using a potentially unsafe heating source in their homes to call about programs to help restore natural gas or electric service.

“The weather throughout the state is evidence that Punxsutawney Phil was right when he called for six more weeks of winter earlier this week,” said Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson.  “While it is good news that 34 percent more of our neighbors now have access to a central heating system compared to December, more than 16,000 households are still lacking a safe heating source. Resources are available to help consumers restore and maintain service.  I urge consumers without service to take action today.”

The PUC encourages consumers without utility service to know their rights and responsibilities. Consumers should obtain information about programs available to help them restore and maintain utility service. Consumers with a seriously ill resident in the household or a protection from abuse order may have additional options for service restoration.

As of Feb. 3, 2015, the total number of homes not using a central heating system was 16,601, a 34 percent reduction from the Dec. 16, 2014, total of 25,172. The information is a follow-up to the annual Cold Weather Survey results. Some households may be without both electric and natural gas service, resulting in a double counting of some households.

A chart of the individual company statistics is available online. In December 2014, about 23,213 households were without heat-related utility service, with an additional 1,959 residences using potentially unsafe heating sources. The total number not using a central heating system in December 2013 was 21,281 and 13,298 in February 2014.

Consumers should call their utility first to make arrangements to pay their bill. If they are unable to reach an agreement with the utility, the PUC may be able to provide assistance. The PUC can be reached toll-free at 1-800-692-7380.

This winter marks the 12^th year the PUC has been reminding consumers to “Prepare Now” for high winter energy costs.. The PUC’s message is simple: 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