For Immediate Release: December 28, 2007

TURN’s Bill Busters Arriving In Oakland Libraries

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(Oakland, CA)— The Utility Reform Network (TURN) is partnering with the Oakland Public Library to bring TURN’s Bill Busters to libraries throughout Oakland from January to March 2008. TURN’s Bill Busters are a team of experts with years of experience in lowering utility bills and handling disputes with utility companies.

Consumers will find out through these free workshops how to lower their electric and gas usage, and how to take advantage of programs to make their homes or apartments more energy efficient. Consumers can also find out whether they are eligible for electric and gas bill assistance through CARE, FERA, or other programs, and whether they qualify for LifeLine discounted phone service. TURN’s Bill Busters can also help with out-of-control cell phone bills and assist consumers who have been slammed, crammed or otherwise treated unfairly by their telephone company.

Consumers should be sure to bring copies of their bills with them to the following locations. Assistance for limited English speakers will be available.

• Saturday, January 12th, 2:00 PM
  Martin Luther King Branch
  6833 International Boulevard 510.615.5728
  
• Tuesday, January 15th, 6:30 PM
  César E. Chávez Branch
  3301 E 12th Street, Suite 271 510.535.5620

• Saturday, January 26th, 2:00 PM
  Golden Gate Branch
  5606 San Pablo Avenue 510.597.5023

• Saturday, February 2nd, 1:00 PM
  Brookfield Branch
  9255 Edes Avenue 510.615.5725

• Monday, February 4th, 6:00 PM
  Melrose Branch
  4805 Foothill Boulevard 510.535.5623

• Monday, February 11th, 6:30 PM
  Lakeview Branch
  550 El Embarcadero 510.238.7344

• Thursday, February 21st, 6:00 PM
  Oakland Main
  125 14th Street 510.238.3136

• Thursday, February 28th, 3:00 PM
  Eastmont Branch Eastmont Town Center
  Suite 211, 7200 Bancroft Ave. 510.615.5726

• Saturday, March 1 st, 1:00 PM
  Montclair Branch
  1687 Mountain Blvd 510.482.7810

TURN is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1973 by Sylvia Siegel to challenge utility rate increase applications at the California Public Utility Commission. Since then, TURN has evolved into a multi-faceted consumer advocacy organization, dedicated to helping consumers navigate utility billing practices and bureaucracies, and keeping essential services affordable for everyone. For more information on the organization, you should check out TURN’s Website at www.turn.org.

The Oakland Public Library informs, inspires, and delights Oakland’s diverse community as a resource for information, knowledge, and artistic and literary expression, providing the best in traditional services, new technologies and innovative programs. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland, and has been in existence since 1878. For more information, please call (510) 238-3134, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web site at www.oaklandlibrary.org.

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