PUC Announces Be Utility Wise Consumer Forums Feb. 21, March 12; Highlights Energy Assistance Programs & LIHEAP

The Public Utility Commission will join community organizations and local energy utilities in sponsoring “Be Utility Wise” consumer education events on February 21 in Philadelphia and on March 12 in Delaware County.

The February 21 event will be held 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 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 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.

Visit the PUC’s Be Utility Wise webpage to learn of future events.  Visit the PUC’s Energy Assistance Programs webpage to learn more about these programs.

[Posted: February 20, 2020]  PA Environment Digest