HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) brought together human service professionals, community partners, and utility leaders for the annual Be Utility Wise conference in Philadelphia, a key event focused on equipping frontline workers with vital information about utility assistance programs and consumer advocacy tools.

This year’s Be Utility Wise conference was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the PUC, PECO Energy Company, Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., Philadelphia Gas Works, and the Philadelphia Water Department, along with the support of community organizations including UESF-Philadelphia, the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, Jefferson Health, Project HOME, and the City of Philadelphia.

This year’s Be Utility Wise event in Philadelphia on March 19 drew about 150 attendees from a wide array of community groups, equipping those organizations with a deeper knowledge of the many different affordability options available to income-qualified households and families.

PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank welcomed attendees and underscored the importance of collaboration between regulatory agencies, utilities, and community organizations to ensure that vulnerable households remain connected to essential services.

“Reliable utility services are a fundamental necessity, and the PUC remains committed to working with utilities and community organizations across Pennsylvania to help at-risk families stay connected,” said Chairman DeFrank. “Our recent efforts to extend key consumer protection safeguards further reinforce this commitment, ensuring that critical assistance remains available to those who need it most.”

Held at PECO’s Energy Hall, this year’s conference emphasized the theme “Transforming Customer Engagement through Innovative, Sustainable Solutions.” Attendees engaged in panel discussions, interactive presentations, and thought-provoking film screening, all aimed at enhancing their ability to connect at-risk consumers with critical utility services.

PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow participated in a fireside chat with industry leaders, highlighting the essential role of partnerships between utilities and community-based organizations in bridging gaps to assistance programs.

“I can’t think of a better discussion topic than ways we can strengthen consumer engagement and making utility assistance programs more accessible,” said Vice Chair Barrow. “Events like Be Utility Wise empower advocates with knowledge and resources that directly impact the communities they serve.”

Attendees also took part in a screening and discussion of Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a documentary that examines the intersection of climate justice, public health, and economic inequality, further reinforcing the need for equitable access to essential services.

For more information on utility assistance programs, consumer education events, upcoming Be Utility Wise presentations across Pennsylvania, and other resources, visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov.