Press Release

PUC’s Be Utility Wise Conference Empowers Frontline Advocates

Published on 3/20/2025

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

About 150 Community Providers Gathered to Strengthen Consumer Support Networks and Expand Access to Utility Assistance Programs

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) brought together human service professionals, community partners, and utility leaders for the annual Be Utility Wise conference in Philadelphia, a key event focused on equipping frontline workers with vital information about utility assistance programs and consumer advocacy tools.

This year’s Be Utility Wise conference was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the PUC, PECO Energy Company, Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., Philadelphia Gas Works, and the Philadelphia Water Department, along with the support of community organizations including UESF-Philadelphia, the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, Jefferson Health, Project HOME, and the City of Philadelphia.

This year’s Be Utility Wise event in Philadelphia on March 19 drew about 150 attendees from a wide array of community groups, equipping those organizations with a deeper knowledge of the many different affordability options available to income-qualified households and families.

PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank welcomed attendees and underscored the importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, utilities, and community organizations to ensure that vulnerable households remain connected to essential services.

“Reliable utility services are a fundamental necessity, and the PUC remains committed to working with utilities and community organizations across Pennsylvania to help at-risk families stay connected,” said Chairman DeFrank. “Our recent efforts to extend key consumer protection safeguards further reinforce this commitment, ensuring that critical assistance remains available to those who need it most.”

Held at PECO’s Energy Hall, this year’s conference emphasized the theme “Transforming Customer Engagement through Innovative, Sustainable Solutions.” Attendees engaged in panel discussions, interactive presentations, and thought-provoking film screening, all aimed at enhancing their ability to connect at-risk consumers with critical utility services.

PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow participated in a fireside chat with industry leaders, highlighting the essential role of partnerships between utilities and community-based organizations in bridging gaps to assistance programs.

“I can’t think of a better discussion topic than ways we can strengthen consumer engagement and making utility assistance programs more accessible,” said Vice Chair Barrow. “Events like Be Utility Wise empower advocates with knowledge and resources that directly impact the communities they serve.”

The event also featured the presentation of the Be Utility Wise Community Award by PUC Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss to Project HOME, in recognition of its exceptional work in addressing housing insecurity and utility affordability for underserved populations.

“Project HOME exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions,” Commissioner Zerfuss noted. “Their dedication to supporting individuals in need aligns perfectly with the mission of Be Utility Wise.”

Attendees also took part in a screening and discussion of Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a documentary that examines the intersection of climate justice, public health, and economic inequality, further reinforcing the need for equitable access to essential services.

For more information on utility assistance programs, consumer education events, upcoming Be Utility Wise presentations across Pennsylvania, and other resources, visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania 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.

Contact:

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