The Public Utility Commission this week urged electric and natural gas utilities to take extra steps to help consumers "Prepare Now" for the higher costs of winter heating.

A letter, which was signed by all five PUC Commissioners, was sent to electric and natural gas utilities under the PUC's jurisdiction asking the utilities to join the PUC in reaching out and educating consumers. The letter contained specific suggestions as to how the utilities can help. The utilities are asked to inform PUC Chairman James H. Cawley of any of the suggested actions they implement.

The Commission's focus for the sixth year of its "Prepare Now" outreach campaign is increasing consumer awareness on rising energy prices; exploring ways to reduce energy usage; educating consumers about the availability of low-income programs; and increasing awareness for safe home heating.

"Unfortunately, many utility consumers who need help are still unaware of the programs available to help them restore or maintain utility service," the letter said. "Just as we will be reminding consumers who call us about the availability of such programs, we ask all of you to increase your outreach efforts to make sure that all customers receive information about any program for which they may be eligible."

The letter builds on the Commission's September 11, en banc hearing to increase consumer awareness of rising energy prices and the Commissioners' participation Tuesday in Governor Rendell's statewide Stay Warm PA summit to launch the "Turn Down. Seal Off. Save Up." campaign.

The letter appeals to the companies to increase efforts to educate consumers with limited or fixed incomes about special programs such as Customer Assistance Programs and Low Income Usage Reduction Programs, which assist consumers in paying their energy bills and controlling their energy usage. The letter also stresses the importance of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the impact the program has on helping low-income consumers restore and maintain service.

The PUC's message is simple: "Prepare Now" for higher energy costs this winter. Learn about changes in the law related to utility shut-offs and know your rights. Save money by learning how to conserve energy. Heat your home safely. Explore budget billing options. Look into programs that help low-income customers restore and maintain service.

Visit the PUC's "Prepare Now" webpage or call the PUC at 1-800-692-7380. The PUC also is actively participating in Gov. Rendell's third annual Stay Warm PA campaign – "Turn Down. Seal Off. Save Up."

The PUC has consumer outreach specialists who provide utility education and outreach to consumers. The outreach team reaches out to consumers by traveling throughout the state conducting or participating in workshop events, free seminars, roundtable discussions and community fairs.

During those events, plain language materials and literature designed to educate consumers about assistance programs and their rights are handed out. Materials include information on Chapter 14, available low-income programs and tips on how to "Prepare Now" for winter.

For more information on hosting a PUC consumer outreach specialist at a community event, please call 717-787-5722.

10/17/2008