Press Release

PUC’s Be Utility Wise 2025: A Powerful Gathering for Utility Consumer Advocacy & Community Support

Published on 2/21/2025

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Dynamic Panels, Film Screening, and Insights from Utility Leaders & Advocates – Register Now for the March 19 ‘Be Utility Wise’ 2025 Conference in Philadelphia

HARRISBURG – Human service professionals, community advocates, and utility leaders will come together on March 19, 2025, for the annual Be Utility Wise Human Services Development Conference in Philadelphia, an event dedicated to consumer advocacy, utility education, and resource-sharing.

Hosted by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) at PECO’s Energy Hall, this year’s conference centers on the theme “Transforming Customer Engagement through Innovative, Sustainable Solutions” and will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, and a thought-provoking documentary screening, all designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to better serve vulnerable consumers.

This free professional development conference for human services and energy professionals, consumer advocates, legislative liaisons and community-based organizations will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 19^th and features the following:

• Opening remarks from PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank and Philadelphia City Council President, Kenyatta Johnson.
  
  
• Panel discussions on key consumer issues such as utility assistance; energy conservation and weatherization; and accessing resources for health, housing and stability.
  
  
• A panel of utility leaders and experts, including PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow, to explore the essential roles and beneficial partnerships between utilities and the front-line organizations and professionals who connect consumers with vital support resources.
  
  
• A screening of the film “Cooked: Survival by Zip Code” – which explores the devastating impact of the 1995 Chicago heatwave on under-resourced communities and highlights issues including climate justice, public health and system inequality.
  
  
• Presentation of the “Be Utility Wise” Community Award by PUC Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss.

Individuals interested in registering for the conference may do so online or by calling 215-560-6901.  You 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.

Philadelphia’s Be Utility Wise is a FREE professional development conference promoting consumer awareness, utility education, and life management skills. This annual conference brings together over 150 social service providers, community-based organizations, and low-income advocates from the Philadelphia region. It provides 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 conference is a partnership of the PUC, PECO Energy Company, Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., Philadelphia Gas Works and the Philadelphia Water Department, with broad local support from UESF-Philadelphia (Utility Emergency Services Fund), the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, Jefferson Health, Project Home and the City of Philadelphia.

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 (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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Contact:

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