Press Release

PUC Announces ‘Be Utility Wise’ Consumer Utility Forums for Philadelphia & Chester; Highlights Utility Customer Assistance Programs & LIHEAP

Published on 2/20/2020

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – As an extension of its annual “Be Utility Wise” fall consumer education events, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) joins community organizations and local energy utilities in sponsoring two additional Utility Forums and Consumer Resource Fairs in Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

The first event will be held on Friday, February 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, Grannum Hall – Room B10, 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia.  The event is presented by the PUC, New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, and the National Collaboration of 100 Black Women, Inc. – Philadelphia Chapter.

A second forum and resource fair will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the J. Lewis Crozer Library, 620 Engle St., Chester – co-sponsored by the PUC, Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. and PECO Energy.

Eligible attendees will be able to discuss and enroll in their utility’s Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), apply for assistance through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and take advantage of consumer resources offered by local utilities, community service agencies and the PUC. 

Consumers who may be interested in enrolling in a CAP or applying for LIHEAP are encouraged to bring necessary enrollment information to the utility fair, including a photo identification, current proof of income and their most recent electric bill.  Attendees applying for LIHEAP may provide either proof of their income for January 2020 or proof of income for February 2019 through January 2020.  LIHEAP determines eligibility based on a full month’s or a full year’s worth of income prior to the month of application.

Each fall, the PUC sponsors Be Utility Wise – community forums focused on ways to help low-income households maintain essential utility services.  Attendees share tools and resources about customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation; review information and guidelines about various support programs; and exchange ideas on ways to improve service to at-risk households.

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.

 # # #

 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov