Press Release

PUC ‘Prepares Now’ to Help PA Utility Customers Understand New Rules and Their Rights Related to Utility Shut-Offs

Published on 9/27/2005

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

PHILADELPHIA -- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Wendell F. Holland today announced that the PUC this week met with its counterparts in states as diverse as Alabama, Colorado and New York to compare approaches for preparing utility customers for higher winter energy costs. 

“We are honored that Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania PUC were chosen to host this national conference of consumer-services experts from 19 states,” said Chairman Holland, while addressing participants during the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Annual Meeting of the Consumer Affairs Subcommittee.  “The fear is that Katrina and Rita are making a bad situation worse when it comes to higher winter heating costs and the increasingly grim situation for our poorest utility customers.  Pennsylvania is at the forefront for innovatively dealing with these issues and serving the public interest.  We want to compare notes with you because we share common challenges.” 

Earlier today, Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli talked about Pennsylvania’s soon-to-be-relaunched “Prepare Now” campaign, which is in its third year as a partnership among the PUC, utilities, and consumer advocates and organizations.

“We are going to work with our utilities, consumer advocates and community-based organizations to get out one simple message:  ‘Prepare Now’ for higher energy costs this winter,” Commissioner Pizzingrilli said.  “Learn about changes in the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights.  Save money by learning how to conserve energy and weatherize your home.  Budget billing and special programs can help you manage your bill.  Heat your home safely.  ‘Prepare Now,’ before cold weather arrives.”

On Sept. 9, the PUC directed electric, natural gas and water utilities to coordinate with the PUC, consumer advocates and community-based organizations to educate Pennsylvanians about changes in the law dealing with utility shut-offs. 

Commissioner Pizzingrilli also today shared lessons learned and best practices from other Pennsylvania PUC consumer-education campaigns such as:  Utility Choice awareness efforts related to electric, natural gas and local telephone competition; Be UtilityWise community outreach forums; PA Relay, to make the hearing public aware of 7-1-1, the number to dial to communicate by phone with people who are deaf, hard of hearing and speech disabled; “Follow the PATH to PA Telephone Help,” about programs to help low-income consumers pay their phone bills; “Water: We Always Need It,” to inform Pennsylvanians about how they get water from the tap; tips for how to cope with heat waves; and an upcoming education campaign related to gas safety.

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.

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

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Contact:

• Tom Charles
  Director of Communications
  717-787-9504
  thcharles@pa.gov