Press Release

Registration Now Open for Free September 17 ‘Be Utility Wise’ Human Services Conference in Erie

Published on 8/12/2026

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

The PUC event connects front-line professionals with utility assistance programs, affordability resources, and tools to help Erie-area households maintain essential services

ERIE – Human service professionals helping Erie-area families navigate utility bills, affordability changes and available assistance are encouraged to register for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) free “Be Utility Wise” conference on September 17, 2026, at Erie’s Ambassador Conference Center.

For three decades, “Be Utility Wise” has been a cornerstone of the PUC’s consumer education efforts, bringing together front-line service providers, community advocates, utilities, regulators and other organizations to share information, strengthen connections and help Pennsylvania households access available assistance and maintain essential utility services.

“The people attending these conferences are often the first connections that families make when they are struggling with utility bills or trying to understand what assistance is available,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “Be Utility Wise helps give those front-line professionals the information, resources and connections they need to respond effectively. By bringing regulators, utilities and community organizations together, we can strengthen that network and help more Pennsylvania families find the assistance they need.”

Building Connections to Affordability

Centered on the theme of “Building Connections to Affordability: Collaborative Strategies for Lasting Change,” this year’s Erie conference will focus on the challenges facing consumers and the human service professionals who work to address those issues every day.

The conference will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, financial assistance information, networking opportunities, and other practical information and resources that attendees can take back to their organizations and communities.  Topics focus on utility affordability, customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation, consumer protections, available community resources, and strategies for reaching and assisting households in need.

The goal is not only to reach those attending the conference, but to multiply that impact across the region by equipping front-line professionals with information and connections they can use throughout the year to help the consumers they serve.

Registering for “Be Utility Wise” in Erie

Online registration is now open for the September “Be Utility Wise” conference in Erie:

       Erie BUW – Registration Page
       Thursday, September 17, 2026
       Ambassador Conference Center
       7794 Peach Street
       Erie, PA  16509
       Time:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Human service professionals, community advocates, utility professionals and others working directly with consumers throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania are encouraged to register and share information about the conference with colleagues and partner organizations.

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