Press Release

PUC Chairman Brown to Speak at ‘BeWise’ Social Service Event in Berks County to ‘Train the Trainer’ on Consumer Assistance This Winter

Published on 10/20/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

WYOMISSING – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Gladys M. Brown will address utilities and human service agencies at next week’s “BeWise” social service event in Berks County, urging them to help consumers prepare for winter energy bills and stay connected.

Co-hosted by the PUC, local utilities and human service organizations, this year’s event will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, at the Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing.

“There are many resources available to help consumers in need, but many aren’t aware of them or don’t know how to access them,” said Chairman Brown. “It’s crucial that we educate our industry workers who interact with consumers every day. No family or individual should struggle to heat their home 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 housing programs and assistance; weatherization and energy conservation; mental health and addiction services; child welfare services; employment assistance; serving immigrant populations and more.

This year’s participants include the PUC, Berks Community Action Program, Equality PA, Planned Parenthood, Reading PRIDE, Berks Counseling Center, YMCA, Salvation Army, Berks County Court of Common Pleas, Metropolitan-Edison Company, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, UGI Utilities Inc., Goodwill Industries, PathStone, Careerlink, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Berks County Children and Youth Services, Community Care Behavioral Health and Cultura Law.

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

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” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722
  
• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov