Consumer Education

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Welcome to the Consumer Education page. Please click on one of the following links to find out more information.

Prepare Now

The PUC is concerned about the potential for higher natural gas prices this winter. Natural gas prices are determined by nationwide factors affecting demand and supply, but Pennsylvania consumers can still take steps to help themselves Prepare Now.

The following information can help consumers learn more about how to Prepare Now for higher energy costs:
Prepare Now Fact Sheet - Spanish Version - - Easy ways to save energy and money this winter.
Home Heating Safety Tips - Information on how to safely heat your home.
General Conservation Tips - Information on where to conserve around the house.
Need Help Staying Warm this Heating Season - Spanish Version- Information on where help is available.
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) in- Information on CFLs and Mercury.
$aving Water: Room by Room - Tips for how water is used around the house and how your can conserve.

Energy Assistance Information

Prepare for Winter!

1. Energy Assistance
   Consumer tips for saving energy and programs that are available to help low-income customers.



2. PA Energy Consumer Bill of Rights
   Residential energy customers in Pennsylvania have both rights and responsibilities that ensure fair dealings between customers and the utility company.

Consumer Information, Programs and Services

1. Consumer Workshops

Information on Consumer Education's workshops, roundtable discussions, and how to schedule an event in your area.


2. Consumer Publications
   Information on Electric Choice, hints for speaking at a public hearing, and glossaries of utility terms.

Rules Governing Termination/Reconnections/Payments/Cash Deposits

1. Responsible Utility Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14) Fact Sheet - Spanish Version



2. Responsible Utility Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14) Fact Sheet - Water
   These fact sheets explain the changes to the rules that apply to cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements and the filing of termination complaints by electric, gas and water consumers.

High-Speed Internet Service

1. Do You Want High-Speed Internet Service?
   Brochure that explains how consumers can receive high-speed access to Internet service.

Ratemaking Process

1. PUC Ratemaking Process Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet reviews the PUC ratemaking process and the role of consumers in the process.

Rate Caps

1. PUC Rate Cap Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet reviews the history and status of electricity generation rate caps in Pennsylvania.



2. PUC Rate Caps and Taking Action Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet talks about the expiration of electricity generation rate caps and how consumers can take action.



3. Shopping for Electricity
   This fact sheet gives tips on where to shop for electricity and answers some frequently asked questions regarding how to shop for an electric supplier.



4. Electric Bill Breakdown
   This fact sheet helps you understand your electric bill by breaking down the various charges and answers questions regarding electric bills.



5. PUC Rate Cap Commercial & Industrial Customers Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet reviews the history and status of electricity generation rate caps for commercial and industrial customers in Pennsylvania.



6. Choosing an Aggregator or Broker for Electric Supply
   This fact sheet defines what an aggregator are broker are, and how to work with them.



7. Using Alternative Energy at Home in Pennsylvania
   This fact sheet describes how residential alternative energy can connect the the electric grid.

Energy Efficiency & Conservation

1. Residential Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet gives energy efficiency and conservation information for the home.



2. Business Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet gives energy efficiency and conservation information for businesses.

Alternative Energy

1. Alternative Energy & Economic Development in PA
   A fact sheet that reviews the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act and energy credits available in Pennsylvania.

Complaint Filing Process

1. Complaint Filing Process Fact Sheet - Spanish Version
   This fact sheet explains how to file a complaint with the PUC and reviews the difference between an informal complaint and a formal complaint.

Consumer Telephone Tips

1. Telephone Tips
   The PUC's Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) often receives complaints from consumers on a variety of issues. Here is a telephone tip guide on the most common complaints we receive.

Transmission Lines

1. Transmission Lines Fact Sheet
   This fact sheet gives an overview of Transmission Lines - the regulations, application process, hearings, protests, and much more.

Summaries of PUC Court Decisions

1. Summaries of PUC Court Decisions
   These summaries are compiled for the convenience of the public

Consumer Advisory Council (CAC)

1. CAC General Information
   Consumer Advisory Council general information, including CAC members, and meeting information

Chapter 56 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will revise the PUC's regulations at 52 Pa. Code Chapter 56, to ensure they are consistent with Act 201 of 2004, also known as Chapter 14.   The Commission also will use the opportunity to address other issues with Chapter 56 including updates needed due to technological advances such as electronic billing and payments, e-mail and the Internet.

Comments on Chapter 56 Rulemaking

Natural Gas Universal Service Task Force

1. General Information
   An overview of the mission of the Natural Gas Universal Service Task Force

Other Links

1. Utility Choice Website
   Information on electric, natural gas and telephone competition.

2. Other State Commissions Websites

3. State Consumer Advocate's Office

4. National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissions - Digital TV Information