For Immediate Release
January 13, 2010
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Resources Available to Help Consumers Make Best Electricity Choice

As a result of recent regulatory changes, consumers now have the ability to choose the company from which their electricity is generated. Ratepayers will still have the same electricity provider, but they can now choose the company that generates their electricity to ensure they get the best deal possible. Energy costs are expected to rise this year due to the removal of rate caps, so it is important for consumers to learn more about how to find the best electricity generation deal for their household.

The state offers a number of resources to help consumers shop for the best deal. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate offers a free Electric Shopping Guide online at www.oca.state.pa.us.  This guide includes price comparisons for all of the companies that generate electricity in the state as well as helpful information on comparing rates and companies. Consumers who do not have internet access can get more information and request a copy of this brochure by calling the Office of Consumer Advocate toll-free line at 800-684-6560.

The Pennsylvania Utility Commission has also established a utility choice website at www.puc.state.pa.us/utilitychoice to give consumers more information on electricity choice. Consumers can get pricing information and learn more about basic consumer protections for electricity customers on the electricity choice site, and they can get information on other utilities that offer competition, including natural gas and telephone service. Consumers who do not have internet access can get more information from the PUC by calling 1-800-692-7380.

With the expiration of rate caps, it has never been more important for consumers to be educated about the options that are available in our communities. I would urge all consumers to take the time to learn more about electricity choice to ensure they are getting the best price that is available in our area.

LIHEAP Deadline Extended, Program Expanded

The state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families who are struggling with rising fuel costs or facing a home heating emergency. Due to increased efficiency measures that have reduced fraud and abuse of the program, LIHEAP has been extended and expanded this year to provide additional relief to Pennsylvanians in need.

The program was originally set to provide cash grants of up to $300 for families who are struggling to pay heating bills. As a result of the increased efficiency measures, the state will be able to increase the amount of each cash grant by up to $100.

Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. A family of four can earn up to $33,075 and still qualify for assistance through LIHEAP. The Department of Public Welfare expects to assist approximately 600,000 families with cash grants during the 2009-2010 program year.

The deadline to apply for the program has also been extended from March 15 to April 2. LIHEAP applications can be completed online on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. District residents can also get more information on the program and apply for a grant by contacting their local county assistance office by calling 717-299-7543 in Lancaster County or 610-466-1042 in Chester County.