Consumer Affairs

UGI Utilities Inc. on Wednesday announced a smaller-than-expected increase in the purchased gas cost rate beginning Dec. 1.

Customers should understand that generation/supply typically make up 40% to 60% of a utility bill, the PUC said, with variables such as weather, usage and efficiency of a home heating system factoring in.

Here's some spots where you can pick up a free turkey courtesy of community organizations and nonprofits. There's also a big turkey collection drive happening Friday at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.

The state Public Utility Commission will conduct hearings in December to gather public input on a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities Corp.

Holiday lights will illuminate the Lehigh Valley Zoo and Coca-Cola Park while Christmas City decks the hall with Moravian traditions this holiday season.

Community Bank announced in June it would assume seven Santander Bank branches in the Lehigh Valley by the end of 2025. In November, the company announced that acquisition is now complete.

The draft plan is the product of a series of well-attended public-input meetings over the past year.

Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone has confirmed he will host his annual free turkey giveaway for residents in need, set for Nov. 22.

Gov. Josh Shapiro says Pennsylvania's utility companies have stepped up to shelter low-income households this winter. The customers are usually covered by LIHEAP, but the federal assistance program has experienced delays due to the federal government shutdown.

Easton Councilman Frank Pintabone has called on the city's mayor and administrators to set up a meeting with Met-Ed to discuss issues with the city's electric grid, spurred by a series of small blackouts over the weekend.

The 330 Thrift won over its patrons for a second consecutive year with washed-and-ironed pieces that retail between $3 and $10, and its community-minded founder.

Big Lots announced going-out-of-business sales would start in coming days, as it no longer anticipates its purchase agreement with Nexus Capital Management to go through.

Easton has confirmed their agreement with Comcast, which will eventually lead to a third option for internet and cable access for residents of the city.

Allentown City Council members waded through a series of potential amendments to Mayor Matt Tuerk's proposed 2025 budget.

Easton's 2025 budget was approved, amounting to just under $71 million with no property tax increase, during the city's Dec. 11, 2024 council meeting.

Officials say enforcers will work under a limited scope and focus on “public safety” violations, including double-parking and blocking a street or fire hydrant.

Easton's 3rd & Ferry Fish Market held its 10th annual Community Dinner & Toy Drive on Dec. 9, 2024, with community members providing an abundance of food, gifts and cash to help those in need throughout the city.

Primo Water North America alerted consumers Friday that one of its self-service water refill vending machines was found to have "total coliform." The affected machine has been shut down.

The $21.5 million budget does not include a property tax hike, but does have some increases to sewer fees.

Emmaus residents could see an increase in their property taxes in 2025. Emmaus Borough Council is set to discuss the proposal at its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.

Shannon Torres, a customer service representative with the U.S. Postal Service, shared tips and tricks to make sure gifts arrive on time and intact.