HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has received notice that the number 582 will be the new overlay area code for the current 814 area code, which covers all or parts of 27 counties across Central and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

The 582 area code number will be assigned to new telephone numbers once the available supply of numbers in the current 814 area code is exhausted.

The use of an overlay area code preserves existing phone numbers for residents and businesses in the region, while also ensuring that a supply of new numbers will be available for decades to come.

The PUC noted that the biggest adjustment for residents and businesses across the 814 area code will be the eventual switch to “10-digit dialing,” where callers will be required to dial the area code plus the seven-digit telephone number for all calls.

To help consumers and businesses in the region adjust to the upcoming change, the PUC approved a timetable to implement the new overlay — which has been revised slightly at the request of the telecommunications industry:

Oct. 3, 2020 (Previously Oct. 1) – Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily start 10-digit dialing for calls in the 814 area code.

April 3, 2021 (Previously April 1) – 10-digit dialing will be required for all calls.

May 1, 2021 – The new overlay area code will be placed into service.

(New area code numbers will not be assigned until available 814 numbers are