Press Release

PUC Hosts “Berks Be Wise” Virtual Social Services Conference

Published on 10/22/2020

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Hundreds of front-line providers to participate in 17^th annual event on Oct. 28

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), the County of Berks and local utilities are virtually hosting the 17^th annual Berks County “Be Wise” social service conference on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020.

With the Commonwealth’s ongoing response to the current pandemic, this year’s daylong program will be conducted via Virtual Zoom Conference – with PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille providing an opening message highlighting the PUC’s actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, its annual “Prepare Now” campaign, and energy affordability and assistance programs for income-qualified consumers.

The PUC’s annual “train-the-trainer” events bring together front-line community partners, utilities and key stakeholders.

The 2020 Berks County “Be Wise” event features panel discussions on such topics as Utility Responses to COVID-19 - Regulatory, Program and Policy Updates; Opportunities for Homeless Students; Food Insecurities and Community Engagement; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorder Treatment; Autism Services and Support; Public Housing and Homeownership Services; Human Trafficking 101 Training; and Support for LGBTQ individuals.

Berks Be Wise is part of the PUC’s annual “train-the-trainer” events bringing together front-line community partners, utilities and key stakeholders in highlighting energy efficiency, conservation and customer assistance programs intended to help income-qualified households maintain essential utility services. 

About the PUC

Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov