Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a new Utility Choice brochure as another way to inform low-income consumers about ways to restore their heat and electric service. 

There are more than 11,000 homes without essential natural gas or electric service this winter. This new and easy-to-follow brochure is part of the PUC’s efforts to urge limited-income consumers to contact their public utilities, to learn more about the programs and find out if they are eligible to enroll.

 “The PUC and the Utility Choice program are making every effort to assist all Pennsylvanians who need help with their utility bills,” said PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli. “This winter has been exceptionally cold, and the new brochure is intended to help low-income customers maintain or restore electric and gas services to their homes.”

The brochure contains:

• Answers to commonly asked questions;
• Electric and natural gas companies telephone numbers;
• A description of low-income programs; and
• Important contact information for the Utility Choice program.

Since 2001, the number of homes without electric service nearly doubled. More than 3,000 homes are using potentially dangerous heating alternatives such as kerosene, electric space heaters, kitchen stoves or ovens, fireplaces or connecting extension cords to neighbors’ homes.

“This winter has been colder than usual and the lack of utility service poses health and safety hazards to each consumer,” said PUC Bureau of Consumer Services Director Mitch Miller. “Consumers without service run the risk of getting hypothermia or starting fires caused by makeshift lighting and heating devices for a source of heat.”

To obtain a copy of the new brochure, call 1-888-PUC-FACT, visit www.utilitychoice.org and click on low-income programs or check with local public assistance agencies. Consumers are reminded to learn about available limited-income programs and to shop for the best offers for natural gas and electric.

The new brochure updates the 2001 brochure on electric and natural gas programs.

The Council for Utility Choice is a non-profit corporation working in conjunction with the PUC. The Council is compromised of individuals from the following entities: the PUC; the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council; the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs; the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African-American Affairs; the Office of Consumer Advocate; small-business representatives; state utility associations; public school educators; and community-based organizations.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition.