Press Release

PUC & Partners Offer ‘Be Utility Wise’ Human Services Professional Development Conference, Consumer Assistance & Resources in Philadelphia

Published on 3/10/2026

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Residents can meet directly with utility reps about billing assistance during a ‘Utility & Resources Fair,’ while conference attendees take part in a fireside conversation with PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting Philadelphia’s annual “Be Utility Wise” Human Services Professional Development Conference on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 — including a new Utility & Resources Fair where residents can meet directly with utility representatives and learn about bill assistance programs. The event will take place at P4Hub, 4537 Wayne Ave., Philadelphia, PA  19144.

“Events like Be Utility Wise are about meeting people in their communities and making sure they know help is available,” said PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow. “By bringing utilities, advocates, and community partners together in one place, we can connect families with real solutions that keep essential services affordable and accessible.”

Dedicated to consumer advocacy, utility education, and resource-sharing, this year’s conference will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and center on the theme “Partnering for Impact:  Consumer Education That Works.”  

The day features expert panels, interactive discussions for conference attendees, along with a Utility & Resources Fair designed to connect consumers directly with assistance programs and the organizations that help households stay connected to essential utility services.

In addition to the PUC, co-hosts for Philadelphia’s 2026 “Be Utility Wise” include PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), Aqua PA, and the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA).

New Utility & Resources Fair Connects Residents with Assistance Programs

A new feature of the 2026 conference is a Utility & Resources Fair, where consumers struggling with higher energy costs can sit down directly with utility representatives and community organizations to review their bills and explore available assistance programs.  

Customer service representatives from the companies will be available in P4Hub’s Suite 202 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. to provide information and assist registrants in the following program areas:  Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Hardship Grant Applications; the Customer Responsibility Program; PECO CAP; PGW’s CAP; PWD’s Tiered Assistance Program; Aqua PA’s CAP; and other assistance accessed through the ECA, the Utility Emergency Services Fund, Community Legal Services, and the Nicetown Community Development Corporation.

Space for the Utility & Resources Fair is limited, and Philadelphia-area residents interested in meeting with utilities and assistance organization are encouraged to pre-register at the following link:  Utility & Resources Fair 2026

Registrants are encouraged to bring copies of the following: 

• Names, Birth Dates, and Social Security Numbers for Household Members.
• Proof of Gross Household Income for the last 30 days.
• Billing Statements.
• Shut Off Notice, if applicable. 
  
  

Philadelphia “Be Utility Wise”

Philadelphia’s “Be Utility Wise” is a professional development conference promoting consumer awareness, utility education, and life management skills. This year’s program features the following:

• A fireside conversation with utility leaders and experts – including PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow – exploring how policy, partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen consumer protections and expand access to essential utility services.
  
  
• Dynamic panel discussions on key consumer issues such as utility affordability and universal service programs; weatherization, energy efficiency, and sustainability programs; and legal planning, housing, and small business support.
  
  
• A video presentation, “Women Against Abuse.”
  
  
• Presentation of the annual “Be Utility Wise” Community Award for outstanding community service and support for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable populations.

This annual conference brings together hundreds of social service providers, community-based organizations, and low-income advocates from the Philadelphia region. By sharing knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and connecting residents with assistance programs, Be Utility Wise continues to play an important role in helping vulnerable households remain connected to essential utility services.

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:

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