Press Release

PUC Announces ‘Be Utility Wise’ Consumer Utility Fair for Philadelphia Region; Highlights Utility Customer Assistance Programs & LIHEAP

Published on 11/12/2019

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is holding a “Be Utility Wise” Utility Fair for consumers in the Philadelphia region on Thursday, November 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ridley Township Public Library, 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom, Delaware County.

Attendees will be able to discuss and enroll in utility Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), apply for assistance through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and take advantage of consumer resources offered by local utilities, community service agencies and the PUC. 

Note: People interested in attending the utility fair should register by contacting Mary Tobin with the Ridley Township Public Library at (610) 583-0593, or by email at reference@ridleylibrary.org.

Additionally, consumers who may be interested in enrolling in a CAP or applying for LIHEAP are encouraged to bring necessary enrollment information to the utility fair, including a photo identification, their social security card, current proof of income and their most recent electric bill.  Attendees applying for LIHEAP must provide all of their income for October, as the program determines eligibility based on a full month’s worth of income prior to the month of application.

Joining the PUC in co-sponsoring Philadelphia’s utility fair are PECO Energy Company; the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General; the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate; and the Ridley Township Public Library. 

Each fall, the PUC sponsors Be Utility Wise – community forums focused on ways to help low-income households maintain essential utility services.  Attendees share tools and resources about customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation; review information and guidelines about various support programs; and exchange ideas on ways to improve service to at-risk households.

Philadelphia is one of eight host locations to host a Be Utility Wise event – designed to promote consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy.  Other cities hosting this year’s Be Utility Wise include Bethlehem, Erie, Harrisburg, Johnstown, Reading, Pittsburgh, and Wilkes-Barre.

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