Consumer Affairs

The state Public Utilities Commission said Wednesday it has received hundreds of calls and electronic submissions from consumers about unusually high PPL bills, but there is no timetable for an investigation by its Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.

“When a bill jumps $200 or $300, that’s the difference between groceries on the table. So we have to see what legislative remedies there are at our disposal, because ‘you’ve gotta pay your bill’ is not the answer I want to give anybody," said Rep. Josh Siegel.

A steep rise in egg prices plus butter shortages means some bakeries must adapt.

Mayor Sal Panto Jr. says it's unfortunately part of a larger trend that is changing how small businesses operate in neighborhoods. He said the city intends to create a task force to address it.

The company says the issue has been resolved, but it's still asking people to pay the full amount on their bills — even if they were charged in error.

The Rock'n Play Sleeper is not safe, they say.

Need continues to grow for emergency food services. With the end of pandemic-era benefits and inflation still not letting up, demand is higher than ever, according to food pantry managers.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about possible carbon monoxide poisoning caused by the improper use of portable generators and provided tips to prevent it.

The site was once a fine men's clothing store and today holds a concert venue and dance club. But 1-6 Centre Square will take on an entirely new profile with a 49-room hotel that has space for two restaurants.

Check out these Lehigh Valley-centric Cyber Monday deals to save at local retailers, including big deals on entertainment at SteelStacks, and sporting events with Phantoms hockey and IronPigs baseball.

Comcast has confirmed that the first 1,000 homes and businesses of a 7,000 home and business expansion has been completed, providing further competition for internet and cable television services in the Lehigh Valley.

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.