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

“As indicated each year by our annual Cold Weather Survey, thousands of Pennsylvania citizens will be without utility service as cold weather sets in,” said the letter signed by Commission Chairman Wendell F. Holland. “With that in mind, we are calling on utilities to join us again in working to help consumers to ‘Prepare Now’ for winter’s higher utility costs.”

The Commission’s annual Cold Weather Survey assesses the number of households without heat-related service as of December 1. As part of the survey, the PUC requires natural gas and electric utilities to check residential properties where service has been shut off. Contact is attempted through both telephone calls and in-person visits to the homes. The 2007 survey results will be available December 17.

In a December 11, 2007, 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. The Commission’s “Prepare Now” outreach campaign appeals to consumers on limited or fixed incomes to call their utility about special programs such as Customer Assistance Programs and Low Income Usage Reduction Programs to help heat their homes and pay their energy bills.

The letter also stresses the importance of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the impact the program has on helping low-income consumers restore and maintain service.

“Unfortunately, many of our utility consumers who need help the most remain unaware of the programs available to help them restore and maintain utility service,” the letter said. “Just as we at the PUC will be reminding consumers who call us about the availability of such programs, we ask all utilities to double their efforts to make sure that every customer facing termination receives notice of the programs available and the information they need to sign up.”

This marks the fifth winter in which the Commission is urging consumers to “Prepare Now.” 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.

Visit the PUC’s Prepare Now webpage or call the PUC at 1-800-782-1110.

Budget billing and special programs can help all customers manage their bill. Budget billing allows consumers to pay similar amounts each month. While the overall amount due at the end of the season remains the same, the amount due is spread out over a greater period of time rather spiking during the winter months. This plan makes the amount due more predictable and affordable.

The letter also reminds the utilities of their responsibilities under the state’s utility termination and reconnection law, also known as Chapter 14. The “Prepare Now” campaign urges customers to know their rights and how regulated electric, water and major natural gas utilities must handle cash deposits; reconnection of service; termination of service; payment arrangements; and the filing of termination complaints by residential customers.

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

During those events, plain language materials and literature designed to education 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.

12/14/2007