Press Release

PUC Commissioner Place to Speak at ‘Be Utility Wise’ Event in Johnstown, Increasing Awareness About Consumer-Assistance Programs

Published on 10/27/2015

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

JOHNSTOWN – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Commissioner Andrew G. Place will address utilities and social service agencies Friday at the “Be Utility Wise” program of the Laurel Highlands, “Enhancing Community Connections.”

Hosted by the PUC, the third annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Commissioner Place, who was welcomed to the Commission last month, will provide opening remarks at 9 a.m.

“Keeping consumers safe and warm is a collaborative effort,” said Commissioner Place. “In terms of winter weather and heating bills, it is imperative that we are aligned in our efforts to educate and assist Pennsylvanians as we enter this season.”

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 electric shopping, financial assistance programs for utility customers, utility shut-off/crisis safety and more.

This year’s participants and supporters include the PUC, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the Community Action Partnership of Cambria County, FirstEnergy Corp./Pennsylvania Electric Company, Peoples Natural Gas Company, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Dollar Energy Fund, CONTACT Altoona, Advantage Credit Counseling, Cambria County Department of Emergency Services, Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.

The Laurel Highlands Be Utility Wise event is one of five of its kind occurring in the Commonwealth this fall. Other event locations include Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre, Berks County 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
  
• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov