In an effort to better inform Pennsylvania customers on utility issues, the Public Utility Commission Thursday launched social networking initiatives via a Facebook page for PAPowerswitch.com and a Twitter account for regulatory news. 

“Consumers often want real-time information and they come to the PUC for updated electric and natural gas shopping prices, in addition to other updates, and in the case of a hurricane, they’re looking for 800 numbers and preparedness messages. Now it will all be available to them real-time,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson in a video news release.  “We think this is an ideal time to ramp up our communications efforts, and the use of Facebook and Twitter is bringing us into the 21st century.”

The Commission’s Twitter page is dedicated to all things utility, including issues related to industries regulated by the PUC: natural gas, electric, water, wastewater, telecommunications and transportation. 

Consumers are invited to follow the PUC (@PA_PUC) on Twitter to stay current on events taking place across the state, changes in rates, opportunities to attend public input hearings and actions taken at the Commission’s regularly scheduled public meetings among other notices.  Twitter users also can visit www.puc.pa.gov and click on the Twitter icon to follow the PUC.

The PUC’s PAPowerSwitch Facebook page provides easy access to information about electric shopping.  The Facebook page includes electric shopping event details, photos, videos and links to www.PAPowerSwitch.com in addition to information on how to shop for a competitive electric generation supplier.

Launching these social media sites enhances the mission of the PUC, which balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

3/4/2013