Press Release

PUC Hosts Annual ‘Be Utility Wise’ and ‘Be Wise’ Human Services Events in Western Pennsylvania and Berks County

Published on 9/19/2024

Filed under:

Empowering Frontline Providers with Tools to Support At-Risk Consumers; Hundreds of Human Service Professionals Expected at October Conferences in Canonsburg and Reading

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) invites local human service agencies, community groups and frontline providers to participate in its annual “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” professional development conferences this October, with events scheduled in Canonsburg, Washington County, and Reading, Berks County.

These unique “train-the-trainer” events bring together community partners, utility providers, and key stakeholders to promote consumer awareness, utility education, and life management skills – all designed to support the needs of at-risk individuals and households.

Western Pennsylvania – Be Utility Wise

Theme: Unleashing Community Resources
Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe, 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317

The 2024 Pittsburgh Region Be Utility Wise Conference offers an opportunity to connect with representatives from local electric, gas, and water utility companies, alongside the Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services and other service providers. Participants will learn firsthand about critical customer assistance programs available to help struggling households.  This is a free event.

Key topics include:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Dollar Energy Fund
• Conservation tips
• Family support and protective services
• Financial empowerment
• Affordable housing.

Individuals interested in registering for the October 8^th “Be Utility Wise” conference in Western Pennsylvania may do so at the following link on the PUC’s website:  2024 Pittsburgh Be Utility Wise.

Berks County – Berks Be Wise

Theme: Navigating Life with Knowledge & Confidence
Date: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601

Celebrating over two decades of empowering individuals, the Berks Be Wise Conference will provide an array of vital resources and tools for community providers who support at-risk populations. This event will help attendees gain the knowledge and confidence to assist individuals with managing life’s challenges.

Key topics include:

• Utility Customer Assistance Programs
• LIHEAP
• Rental Issues and Assistance
• Mental Health Journey
• Assisting Autism
• Substance Use Disorder
• Early Childhood Education
• Mortgage Issues and Assistance
• Food Insecurities.

Individuals interested in registering for the October 24^th “Berks Be Wise” conference may do so through the Berks Community Action Program.

About “Be Utility Wise” and “Berks Be Wise”

Every year, the PUC, along with community partners, utilities, and local organizations hosts “Be Utility Wise” and “Berks Be Wise” events to equip frontline providers with the knowledge and resources they need to help at-risk households. These annual “train-the-trainer” conferences focus on maintaining essential utility services, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and sharing information about life-changing assistance programs.

Earlier this year, a Be Utility Wise event was held in Philadelphia, continuing the mission of improving service and support for vulnerable households statewide.

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 puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly 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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