Press Release

PUC Holding Annual ‘Be Utility Wise’ Events in Berks and Cambria Counties

Published on 10/24/2022

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Hundreds of front-line providers to participate in professional development conferences in Reading on October 27 and Johnstown on November 9

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) continues its 2022 “Be Utility Wise” professional development conferences with upcoming events in Reading, Berks County, and Johnstown, Cambria County.

The 19^th annual “Berks Be Wise” human service conference will be held on Thursday, October 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts, 4 North 2^nd Street, Reading.  Meanwhile, the Laurel Highlands “Be Utility Wise” conference is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown, 250 Market Street, Johnstown.  Both events are free and are being held ‘in-person’ with virtual access available.

PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille will provide an opening video message for both conferences highlighting this year’s conference theme – “All Hands on Deck, We Are Here to Help” – as well as the PUC’s ongoing #CallUtilitiesNow campaign.  #CallUtilitiesNow encourages consumers and small businesses experiencing financial difficulty to get needed information and discuss options to remain connected to vital utility services.

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

Each year, the PUC joins community partners, utilities, local organizations and other key stakeholders in sponsoring “Be Utility Wise” events across the Commonwealth to promote consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy among hundreds of front-line providers.

Additionally, these annual “train-the-trainer” events 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.

Earlier this year, “Be Utility Wise” events were held in Allegheny and Venango counties.

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