The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will bring its annual Be Wise conference to Reading this October, offering local human service professionals and community advocates an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and share resources aimed at supporting vulnerable households.
The Berks County Be Wise conference will be held Monday, October 20, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn Street, Reading, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“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.”
This year’s theme, “Embracing Collective Solutions: Empowering Stability in our Communities,” will be reflected in expert panels, interactive discussions, and designated resource areas. The program is designed to help professionals connect families with customer assistance programs, energy efficiency tools, financial literacy resources, and other supports that promote long-term stability.
The PUC describes Be Wise as a “train-the-trainer” forum, providing practical knowledge for those who work directly with families in need. Participants will also have the chance to network with peers, utility representatives, and local organizations to strengthen collaboration across Berks County.
Registration is now open online. Attendees will be asked to provide their contact and organizational details, along with the counties they serve.
The Reading conference is one of six professional development events the PUC is hosting across Pennsylvania this fall.