Press Release

PUC Hosts “Berks Be Wise” Virtual Social Services Conference

Published on 10/19/2021

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Hundreds of front-line providers to participate in 18^th annual event on Oct. 27

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), the County of Berks and local utilities are virtually hosting the 18^th annual Berks County “Be Wise” social service conference on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The daylong program will be conducted via Virtual Zoom Conference with PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille providing an opening message highlighting the PUC’s current #CallUtilitiesNow campaign.  #CallUtilitiesNow encourages consumers and small businesses experiencing financial difficulty – whether the financial difficulties are related to the COVID pandemic, the ongoing state and national recovery, or other challenging circumstances – to get needed information and discuss options to remain connected to vital utility services.

The annual “train-the-trainer” event brings together front-line community partners, utilities and key stakeholders to promote consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy.

With its 2021 theme “When You Know Better, You Do Better,” Berks Be Wise features panel discussions on such topics as Utility Assistance Programs – Regulatory and Policy Updates; Mental Health and COVID; How to Advocate for Your Clients; Talking to Youth About Sexual Health and Relationships; and Community Health Services.

Berks Be Wise is part of the PUC’s annual “train-the-trainer” events bringing together front-line community partners, utilities and key stakeholders to focus on ways to help low-income households maintain essential utility services – and to share tools and resources about customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation; review information and guidelines about various support programs; and exchange ideas on ways to improve service to at-risk households.

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.

# # #

Contact:

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