Press Release

PUC Provides Additional Information on Special Hearing to Help Consumers “Prepare Now” for Winter Heating Costs, Discuss Proposed Changes to PA’s 2010 LIHEAP Plan

Published on 8/25/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued additional guidance including questions for a special en banc hearing being held in an effort to help customers prepare now for the winter heating season.

The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 17, 2009, in Hearing Room 1of the Commonwealth Keystone Building in Harrisburg. The five PUC Commissioners will conduct the en banc hearing to solicit comments on the effect of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s (DPW) proposed policy changes to Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the impact increasing energy costs will have on customer assistance programs. LIHEAP is a federal program that provides energy assistance grants to low-income households who meet income eligibility requirements.

The hearing also initiates the PUC’s annual “Prepare Now” campaign to help customers better understand and prepare for winter heating costs. The public is welcome to attend. A Secretarial Letter has been issued with questions the Commission expects to be addressed as part of the testimony. As part of the informal en banc hearing process, the Commissioners will pose questions to speakers after their testimony.

A tentative agenda is scheduled to be issued Sept. 4, 2009, and will be available on the Announcements page of the PUC website as it is available.

This marks the seventh winter in which the Commission is urging consumers to “Prepare Now.”  The message is simple: “Prepare Now” for higher energy costs this winter.  Learn about the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights.  Save money by learning how to conserve energy.  Heat your home safely.  Explore budget billing options. Look into programs that help low-income customers restore and maintain service. Visit www.puc.state.pa.us, and click on “Prepare Now” or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2009-2123882

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