PUC Hosting 6 Regional Be Utility Wise And Be Wise Consumer Education Conferences Starting Sept. 18

On August 18, the Public Utility Commission highlighted six upcoming “Be Utility Wise” (BUW) and “Be Wise” professional development conferences being held across the Commonwealth this fall for consumer advocates, human service and energy professionals.

“For decades, Be Utility Wise and Be Wise events have empowered frontline providers with tools to support at-risk households and vulnerable individuals,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “Over the years, thousands of professionals have benefitted from the discussions and resource-sharing of these multi-faceted human services events.”

“Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” serve as the PUC’s signature consumer education programs – dedicated to consumer advocacy, utility education, and resource-sharing.  

The events provide a perfect opportunity to explore innovative solutions for serving families, as well as network and share ideas and resources with community partners and peers.

The 2025 conferences center on the theme “Embracing Collective Solutions: Empowering Stability in our Communities” and will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, and resource areas designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to better serve vulnerable consumers.

Human service professionals, community advocates, and utility leaders are invited to register for the conferences.

Online Registration Open

Online registration is now open for five BUW conferences as well as the Berks “Be Wise” conference, to be held between September and November--

-- Pittsburgh Region BUW – Thursday, September 18: Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh , Southpointe, 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg, PA  15317 Time:  8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration Page

-- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton BUW – Monday, September 29:  Mohegan Sun – Conference Center, 1280 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, Time:  8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Registration Page

-- Berks County/Reading – Berks Be Wise – Monday, October 20: DoubleTree By Hilton, 701 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration Form

-- Johnstown BUW –  Wednesday, October 29: Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown, 250 Market St., Johnstown, PA  15901 Time:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m . Registration Page

-- Lehigh Valley BUW – Thursday, November 13: Northampton Community College – Bethlehem Branch, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA  18020  Time:  9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Registration Page

-- Tri-Region Harrisburg BUW – Friday, November 21: Red Lion Inn, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration Page

Individuals interested in registering will need to provide complete information including name; email address; the organization’s name and address; your phone number; and the county/counties that you serve.

Conference Agendas

Presented as a community service of the PUC, “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” provide a “train-the-trainer” forum that bring together front-line community service agencies, utilities and other key stakeholders to promote consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy. 

Expert panels and a resource-designated area help attendees focus on ways to help income-eligible 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.

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

[Posted: August 18, 2025]  PA Environment Digest