Press Release

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a new Council for Utility Choice consumer-education campaign to raise awareness about potentially high natural gas prices and inform gas customers about programs to help them pay their bills. The campaign begins the week of Monday, Oct. 13, and is based on testimony presented during the Commission’s Sept. 18 special public hearing on gas prices and on input provided by the Commission’s Consumer Advisory Council.

“Natural gas prices are forecasted to remain markedly higher for the 2003-04 heating season,” said PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli during testimony at the House Consumer Affairs Committee  meeting today. “The educational campaign will be rolled out over the next few weeks and will greatly assist all of our efforts to ensure that Pennsylvanians are aware of the expected high cost of natural gas this winter, ways to minimize costs such as conservation and weatherization, and the availability of programs to assist them.”

Beginning next week, the aggressive campaign will deliver the following messages:

-  Prepare now for higher costs of natural gas this winter;

- Save money by learning how to conserve energy usage;

- Contact your local gas company to set up a payment plan for your winter bills that is spread out over the course of the year;

- If you are on a limited income, call your gas company about funds to help you heat your home; and

- For more information on natural gas prices, visit www.utilitychoice.org or call 1-888-PUC-FACT.

      The messages will be delivered through:

- Drive-time radio advertisements statewide;

- Advertising in minority media; and

- A comprehensive governmental and media-relations effort that will include information kits for legislators’ offices and news media, partnerships with state associations, Editorial Board meetings, TV and radio talk show tours, public service announcements, and a “Conservathon” with TV consumer reporters.

The PUC and Council will carry out this campaign in conjunction with local gas companies and state agencies such as the Department of Public Welfare (on LIHEAP), the Department of Community and Economic Development (on weatherization), Department of Aging, and the Office of Consumer Advocate.

      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. 

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