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Neighbors | Zack Shively.Public Information Officer Leka Papalko with the Public Utilites Commission of Ohio gave a presentation at the Austintown library on Oct. 11. He helped residents figure out how to find the electric and gas plans that would be most beneficial to them.
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Neighbors | Zack Shively.Luke Papalko went over the "Apples to Apples" page at Austintown library. "Apples to Apples" compares the rates and other information for multiple electric or gas companies.
By ZACK SHIVELY
A representative with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio spoke at the Austintown library on Oct. 11.
Luka Papalko, Public Information Officer with PUCO, gave a presentation on ways to keep gas and electric bill prices down.
“How much does a polar bear weigh? Enough to break the ice,“ said Papalko at the start of his talk to make everyone feel a little more comfortable and less stressed about talking about bills. Papalko kept a loose, kind demeanor throughout the presentation.
He explained governmental aggregation, a public service that gives members of the same community a fair charge. He went on to compare this to private services for electric and gas, which may be cheaper or have other advantages over the aggregate.
Throughout his presentation, he fielded questions on the topics of his presentation. The answers ranged from general to specific. He even gave a couple some advice with their bills.
He showed the “Apples to Apples“ device the PUCO has on their website. The device allows people to compare rates and termination fees of companies for gas and electric. PUCO only posts reputable companies on the site to ensure people’s safety. The “Apples to Apples“ page can be found at http://www.energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplesToApples.aspx.
Papalko has been with the PUCO for two and a half years. He contacted Cindy Beach, Assistant Manager of Youth Services and Programming of the PLYMC, to organize the talk. Members of the PUCO give presentations throughout Ohio up to twice a week.