Press Release

PUC to Host ‘Be Utility Wise’ Event in Northeast PA to Train the Trainer on Consumer Assistance

Published on 10/19/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

WILKES-BARRE – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will host its third annual Northeastern PA “Be Utility Wise” event, “Connecting Resources to Educate & Empower Our Community,” from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre.

“There are many resources available to help consumers in need, but many aren’t aware of them or don’t know how to access them,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “It’s crucial that we educate our industry workers who interact with consumers every day. No family or individual should struggle to heat their home and pay their utility bills this winter.”

In addition to networking opportunities, the free “train-the-trainer” event will feature presentations from state agencies, local utility companies and other financial assistance programs in order to share ideas and services. Presenters will discuss financial assistance programs for utility customers, career tools for job seekers, energy conservation and weatherization, protecting against utility scams and more.

This year’s participants include the PUC, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the United Way, PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, UGI Utilities Inc., Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania American Water, Conservation Consultants Inc., Pennsylvania CareerLink, Self-Determination Housing Project of PA Inc., PathStone and the Wayne County Office of Human Services.

The Northeastern PA Be Utility Wise event is one of five of its kind occurring in the Commonwealth this fall. Other event locations include Pittsburgh, Berks County, Johnstown and Harrisburg.

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.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Contact:

• Deputy Press Secretary
  717-787-5722