Press Release

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Nearly 6,000 households are entering the cold weather season without essential gas or electric service, according to an annual report released today by the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) Bureau of Consumer Services.

For the first time, the cold weather survey results include data from Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) which was placed under the PUC’s jurisdiction on July 1.

The survey shows that as of December 15:

• 1,488 residential households remain without electric service.
• 4,347 residential properties are without gas service.
• At least 1,427 of the household without service are low-income customers. Philadelphia Gas Works was not able to identify the number of low-income households without service.

The attached charts show the number of residential properties without service for each of the major regulated electric and natural gas distribution companies in the state. (This information and the 1999 survey results are also available on the PUC’s webpage.)

"The lack of utility service during the winter month poses potential health and safety hazards," said Mitch Miller, director of the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services. "Customers without service run the risk of getting hypothermia or starting fires caused by makeshift lighting and heating devices."

Each year before winter, the PUC requires gas and electric utilities to check residential premises where service has been shut off to try to reach payment agreements with the occupants so that service can be restored.

Miller 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.

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

2000 Gas and Electric Cold Weather Survey Results