Press Release

Registration Open for 2026 ‘Be Utility Wise’ and ‘Be Wise’ Consumer Education Conferences Throughout Pennsylvania

Published on 9/2/2026

Filed under: Consumer Education Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

Fall conferences equip human services professionals with utility assistance resources, consumer education tools and connections to help Pennsylvania households maintain essential services

HARRISBURG – Registration is now open for six Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) “Be Utility Wise” (BUW) and “Be Wise” conferences being held across the Commonwealth this fall, offering human-service professionals and consumer advocates practical tools, resources and connections to help households manage essential utility services and access available assistance.

For three decades, the PUC’s “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” conferences have served as a cornerstone of the Commission’s consumer education efforts, bringing together thousands of frontline service providers, utilities, regulators and community organizations to share information and strengthen the network of assistance available to consumers and communities across Pennsylvania.

“Frontline workers are the heartbeat of community support, providing a vital link between struggling consumers and the essential utility assistance they need to keep their homes safe and powered,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “Be Utility Wise helps give these professionals the information, resources and connections they need to respond effectively.”

What Attendees Can Expect

Centered on the theme of “Building Connections to Affordability: Collaborative Strategies for Lasting Change,” the 2026 conferences 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.

Human service professionals, community advocates, utility professionals and others working directly with Pennsylvania consumers are encouraged to register and join the conversation at a conference in their region.

2026 “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” Conferences

Online registration is now open for a total of six conferences, to be held between September and November:

• Erie BUW – Registration Page
  Thursday, September 17, 2026
  Hilton Garden Inn Erie
  Ambassador Conference Center
  7794 Peach Street
  Erie, PA  16509
  Time:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  
  
• Pittsburgh Region BUW – Registration Page
  Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh - Southpointe
  1000 Corporate Drive
  Canonsburg, PA  15317
  Time:  8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  
  
• Wilkes-Barre/Scranton BUW – Registration Page
  Friday, October 16, 2026
  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 Page
  Wednesday, October 28, 2026
  Redner’s Event Center
  2024 Centre Ave.
  Reading, PA 19605
  Time:  7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  
  
• Johnstown BUW – Registration Page
  Monday, November 9, 2026
  University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
  Living and Learning Center
  450 Schoolhouse Road
  Johnstown, PA  15904
  Time:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  
  
• Tri-Region Harrisburg BUW – Registration Page
  Friday, November 20, 2026
  Red Lion Inn
  4751 Lindle Road
  Harrisburg, PA 17111
  Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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