The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that www.utilitychoice.org has reached 25 million hits, as the Utility Choice campaign continues to educate Pennsylvania consumers about how to shop for local telephone, natural gas and electric service.

"The Utility Choice Web site is a convenient way for many consumers to learn about utility competition in Pennsylvania," said PUC Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli. "Since its inception, the Utility Choice program has worked to reach out to consumers through a number of educational tools and resources. These Web hits and recent survey results indicate that consumers continue to utilize the resources available to help them."

According to an October survey, nearly 81 percent of Pennsylvanians are aware they can shop for a local telephone supplier. The same survey revealed that 55 percent of Pennsylvanians are aware they can choose a competitive natural gas supplier and 73 percent of consumers are aware they can choose their electric supplier.

Officially launched in June 2002, the Utility Choice website focuses on three utility industries -- electric, natural gas and local telephone -- and features information on how to shop for each service, including detailed questions to ask potential providers and suppliers; an online calculator to determine possible savings; consumer protections; lists of providers by county; and glossaries of commonly used terms.

The site features PA TeleChoice, a first-in-the-nation Web-based shopping information guide that consumers can access by visiting http://www.utilitychoice.org . PA TeleChoice allows consumers to type in their area codes and exchanges (the first three digits of their telephone number), to view and compare local telephone service providers' plans and prices in a side-by-side list.

The program also has developed several educational brochures for consumers as another effort to provide Pennsylvanians with the resources necessary to make informed decisions. All materials are available in English and Spanish, and can be easily accessed, downloaded from the site or by calling 1-888-PUC- FACT (1-888-782-3228).

The Council for Utility Choice is a non-profit corporation working in conjunction with the PUC. The Council is comprised of individuals from the following entities: the PUC; the Pennsylvania Rural Development Council; the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs; the Governor's Advisory Commission on African-American Affairs; the Office of Consumer Advocate; small-business representatives; state utility associations; public school educators; and community-based organizations.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition.

11/12/2004