Press Release

PUC Urges Consumers to Call Utilities to Restore Service as Report Shows 17,400 Homes Without Heat-Related Service, 4,000 Using Potentially Unsafe Heat Sources

Published on 12/16/2005

Filed under: Electric Gas

HARRISBURG – With more than 17,400 households entering the winter season without heat-related utility service, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging those consumers to know their rights and contact their utilities for help now. About 15,000 consumers were without service this time last year.

“With temperatures recently hitting record lows already this winter, record high natural gas prices and significant changes to utility shut-off laws, consumers should act now if they are without service,” said Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “Consumers should know their rights and contact their utility to restore service. The PUC is working to protect the health and safety of all residents. If you are unable to reach an agreement with your utility, call the PUC to seek help.”

Every December, the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) releases its cold weather survey results. The PUC requires natural gas and electric utilities to check residential properties where service has been shut off. Contact is attempted through both telephone calls and in-person visits to the homes. The PUC considers those without heat-related utility service as those homes where the utility service has been turned off.

Homes using potentially unsafe heating sources also are counted because the home is not relying on a central heating system. Potentially unsafe sources of heat include kerosene heaters, kitchen stoves or ovens, electric space heaters, fireplaces and connecting extension cords to neighbors’ homes. 

An additional 4,006 residences are using potentially unsafe heating sources, bringing the total homes not using a central heating system to 21,462, according to the 2005 survey. The total number was 17,659 in 2004.

The 2005 survey results also show that as of Dec. 15:

• 3,307 residential households remain without electric service; 10,917 residences where service was terminated now appear to be vacant; and 211 households are heating with potentially unsafe heating sources. The total electric residences without safe heating are 3,518.
• 14,155 residential households that heat with natural gas are without service; 6,643 residences where service was terminated now appear to be vacant; and 3,795 households are heating with potentially unsafe heating sources. The total natural gas residences without safe heating are 17,950.
• About half (53%) of the natural gas properties without service are customers of PGW. 
• PGW reported that 7,577 households that heat with natural gas are without service - the highest number of all utilities. 
• More than half of households (9,495 or 54% of the total off accounts) that have no service live in the Philadelphia area. 

“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.”

Under PUC regulation, every major utility also offers Customer Assistance Programs (CAP), which are established between the utility company and a customer, to allow low-income, payment-troubled customers to pay their utility bills. Qualification in the CAP program is based on household size and gross household income. Consumers are urged to call their utility to inquire about such programs. If a consumer continues to have questions, they should then call the PUC toll-free at 1-888-PUC-FACT.

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. 

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 potential unsafe heating devices. 

The Cold Weather Survey Charts  show the number of residential properties without service for each of the major, regulated electric and natural gas distribution companies in the Commonwealth.

The PUC again has launched a campaign to educate Pennsylvanians about getting ready for winter heating costs and changes in the law dealing with utility shut-offs.  The message is:   “Prepare Now” for higher energy costs this winter.  Learn about changes in the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights.  Save money by learning how to conserve energy.  Budget billing and special programs can help you manage your bill.  Heat your home safely.  “Prepare Now,” before cold weather arrives.  Visit  the “Prepare Now ” section on the PUC's website.

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 website.

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