Press Release

PUC Launches Annual ‘Be Utility Wise’ Consumer Education Campaign; Hosts Seven Statewide Events

Published on 9/5/2018

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that it will host seven consumer education events across the Commonwealth as part of this year’s “Be Utility Wise” campaign. 

Integrating this year’s theme “Building Our Collaborative Community – Connect, Contribute, Communicate,” the annual series of statewide events brings together front-line community partners, utilities and key stakeholders in highlighting energy efficiency, conservation and customer assistance programs intended to help low-income households maintain essential utility services.

“Be Utility Wise enables the Commission to bring together front-line community building partners to learn new information, exchange ideas, and share tools and resources that help us better serve the needs of struggling consumers,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown.  “The size and scope of these multi-faceted human services events underscore the personal commitment many community-based agencies have in forging stronger families, healthier communities and safer neighborhoods.”

The PUC’s Be Utility Wise events are intended to help local human service agencies and assistance organizations better understand the utility programs and services available in their communities. The free “train-the-trainer” events feature presentations from state agencies, local utility companies and other financial assistance programs to share ideas. Presenters will discuss financial assistance programs for utility customers, career tools for job seekers, energy conservation and weatherization, protecting against utility scams and more.

This year’s Be Utility Wise calendar includes the following events:

Erie
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Ambassador Conference Center
7792 Peach St.
Erie, PA
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Area
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe
1000 Corporate Drive
Canonsburg, PA
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Philadelphia Area
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018
PECO Energy – Energy Hall
2301 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Berks County
Monday, Oct. 22, 2018
Double Tree Hotel
701 Penn St.
Reading, PA
7:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Area
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018
Mohegan Sun Conference Center
1280 Highway 315
Wilkes Barre, PA
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Johnstown
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018
Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown
250 Market St.
Johnstown, PA
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Area
Friday, Nov. 16, 2018
Red Lion Inn
4751 Lindle Rd.
Harrisburg, PA
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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:

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