Press release submitted by Heather Heppner

Quad Cities Residents Invited to AARP Affordable Utilities Forum Oct. 4

What: Joint AARP Iowa & AARP Illinois forum on keeping utilities as affordable as possible

AARP state and national advocates for energy affordability will lead a workshop on how consumers can get engaged in monitoring utility costs and keeping their rates as affordable as possible.

When: Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: i wireless center

1201 River Drive

Moline, IL 61265

Who: Janee Briesemeister, AARP Senior Legislative Rep, State Financial Security & Consumer Affairs

Chad Horrell, AARP National Field Manager

Anthony Carroll, AARP Iowa Associate State Director for Advocacy

Scott Musser, AARP Illinois Associate State Director for Advocacy

Quad Cities area AARP members and residents

Why: During their 2011 and 2012 state legislative sessions, both AARP Iowa and AARP Illinois advocated for legislation to protect consumers from unfair utility rates hikes on behalf of families struggling to pay their utility bills. This forum will give help residents learn about their home energy consumer rights, as well as how to voice their concerns and take advantage of consumer protections to help members save money on their home energy bills and become informed and engaged consumers.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.