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For Immediate Release
May 9, 2000

White: State Consumer Advocate Has New Toll-Free Number

Consumers can call 800-684-6560 with utility questions.

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania consumers with questions or problems regarding utility service can now reach the state Consumer Advocate via a toll-free telephone number, Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) said today.

The number is 800-684-6560. Staff is on hand Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) is a state agency that represents the interests of Pennsylvania utility customers before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), federal regulatory agencies, and state and federal courts. It was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1976 and is an independent office within the Office of Attorney General. Sonny Popowsky has been the Consumer Advocate since June 1990.

"The Office of Consumer Advocate can help people with questions or problems regarding their electric, natural gas, water, sewage and telephone service," White said.

A consumer may have a problem with a utility's quality of service or utility bill, or may need help in getting some types of utility service extended to their homes. Companies sometimes charge customers for services they did not request. The OCA helps consumers resolve those types of disputes and other matters.

Pennsylvania consumers can access the Office of Consumer Advocate’s web site at http://www.oca.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684