PUC Reports 602 More Utility Shutoffs Than Last Year, Urges Consumers To Call

The Public Utility Commission this week released the results of its annual Cold Weather Survey, which showed that about 14,364 households will enter the winter season without heat-related utility service, 602 more than last year.

 

"Despite the mild temperatures we are experiencing, consumers without utility service must act now before extended periods of cold temperatures grip the state," said Commission Chairman James H. Cawley. "A lack of a central-heating system in the winter months can be dangerous. Resources are available to help consumers restore and maintain service. I urge consumers without service to take action today."

 

The PUC encourages consumers without utility service to know their rights and obtain information about programs available to help them restore and maintain utility service. Consumers with a seriously ill resident in the household or a protection from abuse order may have additional options for service restoration.

 

Consumers should call their utility first to make arrangements to pay their bill. If they are unable to reach an agreement with the utility, the PUC may be able to provide assistance. The PUC can be reached toll-free at 1-800-692-7380.

 

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code, the state's electric and natural gas distribution companies under the PUC's jurisdiction must survey residential properties where service has been terminated in 2008 and has not been reconnected during the course of this calendar year. The survey assesses the number of households without heat-related service entering the winter months.

 

Every December, the PUC releases those cold weather survey results. As part of the survey, the utility or its representative must make four attempts to contact consumers who are known to be without heat-related utility service. The attempts may include telephone calls, letters and personal visits to the residence and are done on different days of the week and different times of the day. If the first three contacts are unsuccessful, the PUC requests that the fourth attempt be an in-person visit to the residence.

 

Homes using potentially unsafe heating sources also are counted because the home is not relying on a central-heating system. According to the National Fire Protection Association, potentially unsafe sources of heat include kerosene heaters, kitchen stoves or ovens, electric space heaters, fireplaces and connecting extension cords to neighbors' homes.

 

An additional 3,373 residences are using potentially unsafe heating sources, bringing the total homes not using a central-heating system to 17,745, according to the 2008 survey. The total number was 16,857 in 2007.

 

The 2008 survey results also show that as of December 15:

 

-- 4,038 residential households remain without electric service; 13,595 residences where service was terminated now appear to be vacant; and 68 households are heating with potentially unsafe heating sources. The total electric residences without safe heating are 4,106.

 

-- 10,334 residential households that heat with natural gas are without service; 6,442 residences where service was terminated now appear to be vacant; and 3,305 households are heating with potentially unsafe heating sources. The total natural gas residences without safe heating are 13,639.

 

-- PGW reported that 6,297 households that heat with natural gas are without service - the highest number of all utilities.

 

-- About 8,803 or 50 percent of the total off accounts without service live in the Philadelphia area.

 

The charts released by the PUC show the number of residential properties without service for each of the major, regulated electric and natural gas distribution companies in the Commonwealth.

 

In an October 15 letter sent to electric and natural gas utilities under its jurisdiction, the PUC asked the utilities to join the PUC in reaching out and educating consumers as part of the PUC's "Prepare Now" campaign and Gov. Rendell's Stay Warm PA efforts.

 

The 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.

 

For more information, visit the"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."

 

Every major utility offers a CAP, under which qualifying low-income customers pay discounted bills. Qualification in the CAP program is based on household size and gross household income. LIURP helps consumers lower the amount of electricity or natural gas used each month. The company may install energy-saving features in your home to help reduce bills.

 

In addition, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program may have funds available to help eligible customers have service restored. For more information, please contact your local County Assistance Office or contact the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. An informational brochure also is available.