Press Release

PUC Urges Consumers to Call Utilities to Restore Service

Published on 12/22/2004

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – With approximately 15,000 households entering the heating season without heat-related utility service, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging those consumers to contact their utilities for help now.

            Every December, the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) releases its cold weather survey results. The survey results show that as of Dec. 15:

• 4,496 residential households remain without electric service; 
• 10,509 residential households who heat with natural gas are without service;
• Over half (51 percent) of the natural gas properties without service are customers of Philadelphia Gas Works; 
• A majority of households (8,398 households or 56 percent of the total off accounts) who have no service live in the Philadelphia area;
• In addition to the 15,000 households entering the heating season without heat-related service, utilities report that an additional 14,595 residences where service was previously terminated are now vacant; and
• An additional 2,586 households whose natural gas service has been shut off may now be using potentially dangerous heating sources such as kerosene and electric space heaters, kitchen stoves or ovens, fireplaces, or connecting extension cords to neighbors’ homes.

            “The PUC urges customers without service to contact their utilities to discuss restoring heat service,” said Mitch Miller, BCS Director. “Anyone who knows of someone whose utility service is off should encourage the person to call the appropriate utility company as soon as possible. Utility companies have special programs to help low-income customers to afford utility service. If customers have any questions or concerns, they should contact the Commission for assistance through our toll-free telephone number, 1-800-692-7380.”

            Lack of utility service during the winter months poses potential dangers to health and safety.  Customers without service risk hypothermia and fires caused by makeshift lighting and heating devices. 

            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 Commonwealth.

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

            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 utility for information about how to apply.   

            In addition, the PUC continues to urge consumers to "Prepare Now for High Winter Gas Prices." Consumers can visit www.utilitychoice.org and click on the "Prepare Now" flame to receive additional information about how to manage the cost of natural gas this winter, including conserving heat and energy, enrolling in budget billing, signing up for low-income assistance programs, and heating homes safely. Consumers can also call 1-888-PUC-FACT for more information.

            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 stewards of competition.

            For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our Internet homepage at www.puc.state.pa.us.

Cold weather survey results - charts

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