The Public Utility Commission this week reminded Pennsylvania utility customers to make Martin Luther King Day, January 21 a "Day of Utility Service," as well as a "Day of Service," by helping people in their community to save energy and "Prepare Now" for winter heating bills.

Public service announcements continue through January 21, Martin Luther King Day, as part of the PUC's 5-year-old "Prepare Now" campaign. A voiceover says listeners can contact the PUC by calling 1-800-782-1110 or logging on at the PUC website.

PUC Chairman Wendell Holland of the Public Utility Commission said, "One of Dr. King's legacies was to improve the human condition. And we think it's important that, in addition to changing your light bulb and weatherizing your own home, think about helping a neighbor, change a light bulb at a church, community center or anywhere in your community."

Commissioner Tyrone Christy said, "We have a number of consumer-outreach specialists that are here to help community organizations understand all these different ways that you can save energy and manage your utility bill. Just give us a call here at the Public Utility Commission, and we'll be glad to come out and conduct workshops, seminars or just simply roundtable discussions about all the different techniques we have available here to help you manage your utility bill and 'Stay Warm.'"

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.

Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli said: "It's never too late to help a neighbor in need prepare for winter and higher heating bills. Learn ways to reduce energy and water usage in the new year. Encourage others on limited incomes to contact their local utility about programs that can help pay bills or weatherize homes. Help others to 'Prepare Now' and 'Stay Warm' by learning more and sharing tips on energy efficiency, conservation and weatherization."

Radio and print advertisements supporting this effort are funded by the PUC's current budget.

The PUC's "Prepare Now" outreach campaign urges all consumers to learn about ways to cope with higher winter energy costs; and 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, and budget billing, which allows consumers to pay similar amounts each month.

The Commission also is a partner in Gov. Rendell's "Stay Warm" initiative, which is a website that lists resources and programs that are available to help people pay home heating bills, and provides weatherizing information and conservation tips.

1/18/2008