PUC Begins Be Utility Wise Consumer Education Events Start Sept. 13 In Erie

On September 10, the Public Utility Commission announced it will hold the first of 8 Be Utility Wise consumer education events on September 13 in Erie promoting consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy.

Each fall the PUC sponsors Be Utility Wise (BUW), bringing together front-line community service agencies, utilities and other key stakeholders to focus on ways to help low-income households maintain essential utility services-- sharing tools and resources about customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation; reviewing information and guidelines about various support programs; and exchange ideas on ways to improve service to at-risk households.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Shining the Light: Leading the Way to Community Resources.”

“For decades, Be Utility Wise has proven to be an excellent forum for helping to build stronger communities and better serving the needs of struggling consumers,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille.  “Last year, more than 1,100 professionals attended these multi-faceted human services events, underscoring the personal commitment many community-based agencies have in forging stronger families, healthier communities and safer neighborhoods.”

Presented as a community service of the PUC, the Be Utility Wise events are intended to help local human service agencies and assistance organizations better understand the utility programs and services available in their communities. 

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

Community human service groups and other organizations working with low-income and at-risk consumers who have not yet registered for a local BUW program can call 717-787-5722 or send email to: RA-PC-CMU_ConsumerEd@pa.gov  for  more information and to sign up for these free educational events.

Schedule

This year’s Be Utility Wise calendar includes the following events:

-- September 13: Erie, Ambassador Conference Center, 7792 Peach Street, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

-- September 18: Bethlehem, Northampton Community College, Alumni Hall Room 130A-D

3835 Green Pond Road, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

-- October 2: Canonsburg, Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe, 1000 Corporate Drive, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

-- October 24: Wilkes-Barre, Mohegan Sun – Conference Center, 1280 Highway 315, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

-- October 30: Johnstown, Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown, 250 Market Street, 8:30 am – 3:30 p.m.

-- November 1: Reading, DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn Street, 7:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

-- November 15: Harrisburg,  Red Lion Inn, 4751 Lindle Road, 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

There also will be a Be Utility Wise event in Philadelphia with details available shortly. 

Visit the PUC’s Consumer Education Events webpage for the complete list of consumer education events around the state.