Registration Open for 2026 'Be Utility Wise' and 'Be Wise' Consumer Education Conferences

From Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

Registration is now open for six Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) “Be Utility Wise” (BUW) and “Be Wise” conferences being held across the Commonwealth this fall, offering human-service professionals and consumer advocates practical tools, resources, and connections to help households manage essential utility services and access available assistance.

For three decades, the PUC’s “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” conferences have served as a cornerstone of the Commission’s consumer education efforts, bringing together thousands of frontline service providers, utilities, regulators, and community organizations to share information and strengthen the network of assistance available to consumers and communities across Pennsylvania.

“Frontline workers are the heartbeat of community support, providing a vital link between struggling consumers and the essential utility assistance they need to keep their homes safe and powered,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “Be Utility Wise helps give these professionals the information, resources, and connections they need to respond effectively.”

What attendees can expect

Centered on the theme of “Building Connections to Affordability: Collaborative Strategies for Lasting Change,” the 2026 conferences will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, financial assistance information, networking opportunities, and other practical information and resources that attendees can take back to their organizations and communities. Topics focus on utility affordability, customer assistance programs, energy efficiency and conservation, consumer protections, available community resources, and strategies for reaching and assisting households in need.

Human service professionals, community advocates, utility professionals, and others working directly with Pennsylvania consumers are encouraged to register and join the conversation at a conference in their region.

2026 “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” Conferences

Online registration is now open for a total of six conferences, to be held between September and November:

Erie BUW – Registration Page
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Erie
Ambassador Conference Center
7794 Peach St.
Erie, PA 16509
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Region BUW – Registration Page
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh – Southpointe
1000 Corporate Dr.
Canonsburg, PA 15317
8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton BUW – Registration Page
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Mohegan Sun – Conference Center
1280 Highway 315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Berks County/Reading – Berks Be Wise – Registration Page
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Redner’s Event Center
2024 Centre Ave.
Reading, PA 19605
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Johnstown BUW – Registration Page
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Living and Learning Center
450 Schoolhouse Road
Johnstown, PA 15904
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Tri-Region Harrisburg BUW – Registration Page
Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Red Lion Inn
4751 Lindle Road
Harrisburg, PA 17111
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

About the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

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 puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.