Press Release

PUC Cautions PA Consumers of Phone Scam Involving Energy Bills, Reminds Consumers of Shut-Off Procedures

Published on 12/16/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds consumers across Pennsylvania to be cautious of telephone scams involving energy bills and reminded consumers of utility shut-off procedures.

In a recent scam, residents and businesses in parts of Pennsylvania were targeted by callers who claimed to be from their electric company and alleged that they had an unpaid bill. The caller requested immediate payment over the phone to avoid termination of electric service.

“Your utility will never call about a payment on the day of a scheduled termination,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “If you are a residential customer and your service is going to be terminated for a valid reason, you will receive written notice 10 days in advance. Commercial customers will receive notice three days prior to termination.”

Chairman Brown noted that the Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act, Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code, restricts when residential service can be shut off to a short list of situations where customers fail to do one of the following:

• Pay a bill;
• Follow through on a payment arrangement;
• Pay a deposit, if required; or
• Allow the company access to its equipment. 

Utility companies can only terminate service without notice for the following reasons:

• Stealing utility service;
• Getting service through fraud;
• Tampering with a meter;
• Unsafe service conditions; or
• Giving a bad check to avoid termination.

During winter months (Dec. 1 through March 31), if a utility company cannot reach a consumer at the time of termination, they will leave a 48-hour notice at the residence. Additionally, utility companies cannot terminate residential service from Friday through Sunday. More information on the Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act is found on the Commission’s website.

“If you receive a call that seems suspicious, hang up and immediately call the customer service number that’s listed on the top of your utility bill – or, if you feel threatened, call your local police department,” advised Chairman Brown.

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