Penelec obviously sees this as a sad tragedy. But according to spokesperson, Murphy Montler, their goal is to keep power on for their customers. A state law passed last year does make it easier for power companies to turn off power to customers who consistently don't pay their power bill. Montler says last year alone Penelec lost 10 million dollars in unpaid power bills. Montler would not talk about this specific case for privacy reasons but tells us, in general, their goal is to keep this from happening. If you don't send a payment the company puts a notice on your bill then sends a letter to you. Penelec says they also try to call you and visit you to talk about your bill and how to pay it. Montler says, "We encourage our customers through all the efforts that we make to communicate with them to call us to make payment arrangements. At times we can set up payment plans that suit their income. We can steer them to other sources that will help them."

Senator John Wozniak tells Channel 6 News, "Without knowing all the circumstances, we can't blame Penelec or the Law."

Debra Zimmerman is with Community Action. Its a group that, among other things, helps Penelec customers who have trouble with their bills. She says the following groups can help. The CAP program can put customers on a schedule and help with their budget to pay their bill. The Dollar Energy Fund is run out of Pittsburgh but you can apply for their help through Community Action. The LIHEAP Program helps with fuel assistance across the state. Catholic Social Services also have money to help with utilities sometimes. Zimmerman says, "Some people are reluctant to ask for help because they've never done that before and they're not used to coming to programs such as ours for help. They're not comfortable asking for help. We find this with elderly clients inparticular."

For help with your power bill call the Penelec Credit Department at 1-800-962-4848. You can also call Community Action at 536-9031.