Press Release

PUC Hosting Annual ‘Be Utility Wise’ and ‘Be Wise’ Consumer Education Conferences Throughout Pennsylvania

Published on 8/18/2025

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Urges Human Services Professionals to Register for a Fall Event Dedicated to Consumer Advocacy, Utility Education & Resource-Sharing

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today highlighted five upcoming “Be Utility Wise” (BUW) and “Be Wise” professional development conferences being held across the Commonwealth this fall for consumer advocates, human service and energy professionals.

“For decades, Be Utility Wise and Be Wise events have empowered frontline providers with tools to support at-risk households and vulnerable individuals,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “Over the years, thousands of professionals have benefitted from the discussions and resource-sharing of these multi-faceted human services events.”

 “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” serve as the PUC’s signature consumer education programs – dedicated to consumer advocacy, utility education, and resource-sharing.  The events provide a perfect opportunity to explore innovative solutions for serving families, as well as network and share ideas and resources with community partners and peers.

The 2025 conferences center on the theme “Embracing Collective Solutions: Empowering Stability in our Communities” and will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, and resource areas designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to better serve vulnerable consumers.

Human service professionals, community advocates, and utility leaders are invited to register for the conferences.

2025 “Be Utility Wise” Conferences

Online registration is now open for five BUW conferences as well as the Berks “Be Wise” conference, to be held between September and November:

Pittsburgh Region BUW – Registration Page

      Thursday, September 18, 2025
      Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh - Southpointe
      1000 Corporate Drive
      Canonsburg, PA  15317
      Time:  8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton BUW – Registration Page

      Monday, September 29, 2025
      Mohegan Sun – Conference Center
      1280 Highway 315
      Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
      Time:  8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Berks County/Reading – Berks Be Wise – Registration Form

      Monday, October 20, 2025
      DoubleTree By Hilton
      701 Penn St.
      Reading, PA 19601
      Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Johnstown BUW – Registration Page

      Wednesday, October 29, 2025
      Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown
      250 Market St.
      Johnstown, PA  15901
      Time:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tri-Region Harrisburg BUW – Registration Page

      Friday, November 21, 2025
      Red Lion Inn
      4751 Lindle Road
      Harrisburg, PA 17111
      Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

NOTE:  Individuals interested in registering will need to provide complete information including name; email address; the organization’s name and address; your phone number; and the county/counties that you serve.

The PUC’s “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” Conferences

Presented as a community service of the PUC, “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” provide a “train-the-trainer” forum that bring together front-line community service agencies, utilities and other key stakeholders to promote consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy. 

Expert panels and a resource-designated area help attendees focus on ways to help income-eligible households maintain essential utility services – sharing tools and resources about customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation; reviewing information and guidelines about various support programs; and exchange ideas on ways to improve service to at-risk households.

Including the six fall events, the PUC will hold a total of seven “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” conferences in 2025.  In March, Philadelphia held its annual “Be Utility Wise” regional conference in PECO’s Energy Hall.

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 X, 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:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov