(File Photo of Open for Business Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Brighton, PA) New Brighton recently welcomed two new businesses. The first was the new Dollar Tree store to sell its general items that opened on November 17th, 2025. It is located on 1235 Fifth Avenue in the former location of Family Dollar. The Dollar Tree is open on Mondays to Wednesdays, Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The second was a new Dunkin Donuts store to sell its food items like donuts and coffee that opened yesterday located at 507 Fifth Street, which replaced the former Pizza Joe’s which was at the approach to the New Brighton-Beaver Falls Bridge. The Dunkin Donuts is open every day from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(Photo Provide with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding Pennsylvania consumers that on December 1st, 2025, energy supply prices for all PUC regulated electric utilities will adjust. The PUC urges consumers that are worried about their winter heating bills to call utilities as early as they can to discuss options for affordability and programs for assistance to help them stay connected. During the winter heating months, the cost of electricity can account for over half of a typical bill of a customer. According to a release from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, here is some more information about these price adjustments:

Why December 1 Price Changes Matter – Understanding Your Bill

Electric bills have two primary components:

• Generation/supply charge – This is the cost of the electricity you use. The price is set either by your competitive supplier (if you shop), or your utility’s “Price to Compare” (PTC), if you do not shop.
• Delivery/distribution charge – This charge includes the cost for the poles, wires, and other infrastructure and operational services to deliver energy to your home or business.  This portion of your monthly bill is set by the PUC as part of periodic rate cases filed by the utilities and generally remains stable for multiple years.

It is essential for utility customers to understand what they are paying for energy supply costs, either through default service from their utility or a contract with a competitive energy supplier.

Electric PTC Adjustments for Residential Customers

The generation/supply PTC typically makes up 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill, but the actual impact on total bills will vary based on weather, the efficiency of your heating system, and individual usage. The Commission does not regulate energy prices themselves, which are driven by the regional energy market.

Price Increases (Effective December 1)

• Duquesne Light: 12.43 → 13.75 ¢/kWh (+10.6%)
• Pike County Light & Power (estimated): 10.1923→ 11.21 ¢/kWh (+9.9%)
• Met-Ed: 11.905 → 12.965 ¢/kWh (+8.9%)
• Penelec: 11.004 → 11.747 ¢/kWh (+6.75%)
• Penn Power: 11.858 → 12.606 ¢/kWh (+6.31%)
• West Penn Power: 10.318 → 10.947 ¢/kWh (+6.1%)
• PECO: 10.4 → 11.024 ¢/kWh (+6%)
• PPL: 12.49 → 12.953 ¢/kWh (+3.7%)

Price Decreases (Effective December 1)

• Wellsboro Electric: 12.809 → 12.04 ¢/kWh (–6%)
• UGI Electric: 11.471 → 11.213 ¢/kWh (–2.25%)

Pending December 1 Prices

• Citizens’ Electric: 11.419→ Pending ¢/kWh

December 1 PTC Adjustments for Small Business Customers

For small business customers, the PUC notes that most EDCs are also adjusting their PTCs on December 1 in their small commercial rate classes. Among the state’s major EDCs, price changes in default service rates for small businesses will vary:

• Duquesne Light small business customers will see a PTC increase of more than 12%.
• PTC increases in the FirstEnergy service territories (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power) range between 6.5% and 13.8%.
• Small business customers in UGI’s service territory will see a PTC drop of approximately 2.24%.

#CallUtilitiesNow

For struggling households struggling with higher energy costs, the PUC encourages you to call your utilities now. A direct conversation is often the fastest and most effective first step to learn about utility assistance programs and address overdue balances.

Pennsylvania’s utilities collectively dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars each year to universal service programs — including Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), budget billing, weatherization, and hardship funds. These programs are designed to help eligible households reduce energy use, lower monthly costs, and stay connected, even during difficult times.

Your Winter Energy Checklist: Simple Steps to Save and Stay Connected

To help consumers prepare for colder months, the PUC encourages everyone to take these simple steps:

1. Review your utility bills. Understand your current rate and usage — and how colder weather can increase demand.
2. Don’t wait to call. If you’re worried about paying your bill, contact your utility now to ask about assistance programs or payment plans.
3. Ask about affordability programs. Utilities offer programs like CAPs, budget billing, and hardship funds that can reduce your monthly costs.
4. Make small energy-saving changes. Lower your thermostat by one or two degrees, check furnace filters, and seal drafts — small actions that add up.
5. Explore energy-saving tools. Visit PAPowerSwitch.com by clicking here and PAGasSwitch.com by clicking here for energy tips, shopping options, and more ways to save.  In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity – based on price or other factors, such as renewable energy.

Staying Warm, Safe, and Connected

Consumers who cannot resolve issues directly with their utility can contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380 for help or more information about available programs.

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is urging Pennsylvanians to be aware that during the holiday months, home fires significantly increase, which are often sparked by candles that are unattended, decorations that are unsafe and cooking accidents. There are precautions that families can take right now to prevent tragedies from happening and to enjoy both a happier and safer holiday season this year. According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here are some tips to be safe in regards to heating, holiday decorating and cooking as the holidays at the end of the year emerge:

COOKING SAFETY TIPS

Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

HOLIDAY DECORATING AND HEATING SAFETY

December is the peak month for candle fires – which cause about 20 home fires a day on average in the U.S. – and heating equipment remains one of the leading causes of home fires.

• Provide at least three feet of space for all heating equipment. This is critical because most home heating fire tragedies occur when flammable items like furniture, rugs and drapes are too close.
• In addition, never leave space heaters unattended — as they’re involved in most fatal home heating fires.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. And turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach from pets and children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
• You can also help keep your family safe by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in two minutes or less.
• Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download our free Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA for more information.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES

Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,519 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

(File Photo of a Scam Alert Logo Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and his Bureau of Consumer Protection are reminding Pennsylvanians that as the holiday season of giving is upon them, scammers are now in their prime season to pull off the opposite action of taking. If you are considering donations to your favorite charity this year, be observant and buy from a seller that is reputable, especially if you are doing that online. According to a release from Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s office, here are some tips that he and his office recommend to avoid scams while you are busy buying gifts and preparing meals this holiday season:

Stick with Trusted Retailers

Online deals may look tempting, but not all are legitimate. Scammers are able to create websites that look almost identical to legitimate ones. Oftentimes these fake websites are built to steal your personal and credit card information. Sometimes, these websites may show up as “sponsored results” on your preferred search engine. Just because a website is sponsored or shows up before another website, this does not ensure it is a legitimate website.

Be Smart About How You Pay

Attorney General Sunday strongly advises against paying for any services or items with wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or money orders. Scammers may also ask you to pay for items with a gift card that you normally would not be able to use a gift card for, such as paying bills, parking tickets, or other items. All of these are common tools that scammers use to avoid being tracked.

Read the Fine Print

Buy Now, Pay Later services may help manage big holiday purchases, but these services are not always as simple as they seem. Some of these services come with hidden fees or penalties if you miss a payment. Interest rates can vary dramatically on these buy now, pay later services. You should carefully read all of the terms and conditions before signing up for these services. Feel free to ask questions about the costs and fees before signing. If a vendor refuses or is reluctant to answer your questions, that may be a red flag.

Protect Your Personal Information

Scammers don’t just want your money – they want your identity, too. If a website or email asks you for your Social Security Number or bank account information, that’s a big red flag and you should immediately stop communicating with that person.

Be wary of any text messages or emails that appear to be from delivery services (such as USPS, UPS, or DHL), banks, or retailers that you did not request.

Look Out for Loved Ones

Scammers often target seniors, young people, and those who may not be as familiar with digital risks and online scams. Take a few minutes to share these tips with your loved ones to ensure they can keep their money and personal information safe this holiday season.

Pet-Related Scams

Considering a furry friend as a gift?

Be careful when adopting or purchasing a pet online, as some sellers use complex financing offers with high interest rates. Thoroughly research the seller, breeder, inspection records, and medical records.

Pennsylvania’s Dog Purchaser Protection Provision, which you can find more about by clicking here, ensures consumers buying a dog in Pennsylvania know that their new dog has a clean bill of health.

If you think you have been scammed or have encountered a suspicious seller, you are encouraged to report it to your local police. If you used a credit card, contact your credit card company right away to dispute the charge. Consumers who may have fallen victim to a scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online by clicking here, by calling 717-787-3391, or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Gas prices are four cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at about $3.38 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of gas dropped a penny from last week and went down to a relatively steady price of $3.06 for the 2025 Thanksgiving week. The report states that the average price for a gallon of gas in Western Pennsylvania at this time a year ago was around $3.37 and the average price that you can expect for a gallon of unleaded gas in Beaver County is about $3.40. According to a release from AAA East Central and AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report, here are the average prices of unleaded self-serve gasoline this week in various Pennsylvania areas:

$3.384      Altoona
$3.404      Beaver
$3.509      Bradford
$3.295      Brookville
$3.351      Butler
$3.238      Clarion
$3.301      DuBois
$3.425      Erie
$3.331      Greensburg
$3.382      Indiana
$3.419      Jeannette
$3.439      Kittanning
$3.400      Latrobe
$3.388      Meadville
$3.443      Mercer
$3.268      New Castle
$3.396      New Kensington
$3.404      Oil City
$3.386      Pittsburgh
$3.299      Sharon
$3.347      Uniontown
$3.590      Warren
$3.365      Washington