Press Release

PUC Takes Information for Utility Consumers to the Farm Show

Published on 1/5/2007

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

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is expanding its consumer education outreach by participating with an informational booth at the 91^st Annual Farm Show from Saturday, Jan. 6 to Saturday, 13.

       “We thank the Department of Agriculture and Secretary (Dennis) Wolff for the opportunity to take an active role in one of the Commonwealth’s oldest traditions,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “The PUC is hoping to build on the Farm Show’s mission to educate Pennsylvanians by informing its more than 400,000 visitors about the role of the PUC as a resource available to them when they have utility questions or concerns. “

       The PUC informational booth – number 5225 – is located near the Maclay Street entrance will contain information about energy, telephone, transportation, water and wastewater issues. Keeping in line with the Farm Show’s 2007 spotlight on energy, the Commission’s primary focus is to educate consumers to prepare now for higher energy costs, providing tips for weatherizing homes and conserving energy. Information also will be available on private and public programs designed to help low-income consumers pay their utility bills.

        The PUC also is working with the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development to implement Act 183 of 2004, which requires telecommunications companies to provide access to high-speed internet to all customers by 2015.  Finally, the Commission exhibit provides information about Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), which enables Pennsylvanians to communicate by telephone with people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. 

        The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722