Press Release

    Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released its annual cold weather survey results, which show the number of residential properties that are facing the winter without gas or electric service.

    Pennsylvania’s major electric distribution companies and gas companies are required to report this information in December of each year. As of December 15, this year’s reports show the following information:

• 2,896 residential households remain without electric service. This number is a considerable increase from last year’s figure of 1,926.
• 2,474 occupied, residential properties are without gas service, an increase over the 1,953 households without gas service at the end of 1997.
• 2,358 of the households without service are low income customers.

    The lack of utility service during the winter months poses potential dangers to health and safety. Risks of hypothermia and fires caused by makeshift lighting and heating devices are chief among the concerns for those living without service. PUC regulations require gas and electric utilities to check residential premises where the service has been shut off, and to try and reach payment agreements with the occupants so that the companies can restore service.

    The PUC urges customers without service to contact their utilities for help. Anyone who knows of someone whose utility service is off should encourage that person to call the appropriate utility company right away. If customers are unsuccessful in making arrangements with the company to have service restored, they should contact the PUC for assistance through a toll-free telephone number, 1-800-692-7380.

    In addition, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may have funds available to help eligible customers have service restored. Low income customers should contact their county assistance office for information about how to apply.

    The attached charts show the number of residential properties without service for each of the major, regulated electric and gas utilities.

    For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet home page: http://puc.paonline.com.

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