The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today highlighted six upcoming “Be Utility Wise” (BUW) and “Be Wise” professional development conferences being held across the Commonwealth this fall for consumer advocates, human service and energy professionals.

“For decades, Be Utility Wise and Be Wise events have empowered frontline providers with tools to support at-risk households and vulnerable individuals,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “Over the years, thousands of professionals have benefitted from the discussions and resource-sharing of these multi-faceted human services events.”

“Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” serve as the PUC’s signature consumer education programs – dedicated to consumer advocacy, utility education, and resource-sharing.  The events provide a perfect opportunity to explore innovative solutions for serving families, as well as network and share ideas and resources with community partners and peers.

The 2025 conferences center on the theme “Embracing Collective Solutions: Empowering Stability in our Communities” and will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, and resource areas designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to better serve vulnerable consumers.

Human service professionals, community advocates, and utility leaders are invited to register for the conferences.

2025 “Be Utility Wise” Conferences

Online registration is now open for five BUW conferences as well as the Berks “Be Wise” conference, to be held between September and November:

Pittsburgh Region BUW – Registration Page

     Thursday, September 18, 2025
     Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh - Southpointe
     1000 Corporate Drive
     Canonsburg, PA  15317
     Time:  8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton BUW – Registration Page

     Monday, September 29, 2025
     Mohegan Sun – Conference Center
     1280 Highway 315
     Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
     Time:  8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Berks County/Reading – Berks Be Wise – Registration Form

     Monday, October 20, 2025
     DoubleTree By Hilton
     701 Penn St.
     Reading, PA 19601
     Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Johnstown BUW – Registration Page

     Wednesday, October 29, 2025
     Holiday Inn Johnstown Downtown
     250 Market St.
     Johnstown, PA  15901
     Time:  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Lehigh Valley BUW – Registration Page

     Thursday, November 13, 2025
     Northampton Community College – Bethlehem Branch
     3835 Green Pond Road
     Bethlehem, PA  18020
     Time:  9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Tri-Region Harrisburg BUW – Registration Page

     Friday, November 21, 2025
     Red Lion Inn
     4751 Lindle Road
     Harrisburg, PA 17111
     Time:  9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

NOTE:  Individuals interested in registering will need to provide complete information including name; email address; the organization’s name and address; your phone number; and the county/counties that you serve.

The PUC’s “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” Conferences

Presented as a community service of the PUC, “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” provide a “train-the-trainer” forum that bring together front-line community service agencies, utilities and other key stakeholders to promote consumer awareness, utility education, life management skills and financial literacy.

Expert panels and a resource-designated area help attendees focus on ways to help income-eligible households maintain essential utility services – sharing tools and resources about customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation; reviewing information and guidelines about various support programs; and exchange ideas on ways to improve service to at-risk households.

Including the six fall events, the PUC will hold a total of seven “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” conferences in 2025.  In March, Philadelphia held its annual “Be Utility Wise” regional conference in PECO’s Energy Hall.

About the PUC

Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission 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.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings.