Highlighting employees who go the extra mile

Highlighting employees who go the extra mile

Every customer has a different story, some call us with a quick question, while others need help navigating a difficult or unexpected situation. No matter the reason, our customer service employees are ready to listen, find answers and leave a positive impact.  

This National Customer Service Week, we celebrated the employees who go the extra mile for our customers every day. That includes the representatives who speak directly with customers, as well as those working behind the scenes to resolve complex issues, support their colleagues and keep important work moving. 

Meet four of the employees who help deliver the customer service you count on 

woman with headset at her deskGigi: Turning challenges into positive experiences 

In her first year with PPL Electric, customer service representative, Gigi, has already learned how much of a difference patience, empathy and clear communication can make. 

“The most rewarding part of my work is being able to help customers solve problems and turn confusion into a positive interaction,” Gigi said. “Knowing that I helped answer a customer’s question and make their day a little better makes every part of the job rewarding.” 

Difficult conversations can be tough, particularly when the answer is not simple or the situation is outside of a representative’s work. Gigi focuses on listening carefully, communicating clearly and doing everything she can to find the best solution. “Customers want to feel heard and understood, especially when they’re frustrated.” Staying patient and listening to their concerns helps Gigi focus on solutions.  

When she is not helping customers, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, watching movies, walking her dog, Luna, and cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles.  

woman wearing headset looking at computer Val: Sharing decades of experience 

Val, one of our senior customer service representatives, and fellow Philadelphia Eagles fan, has spent nearly four decades helping customers and supporting colleagues. In her current role, she draws on her years of experience to help resolve complex problems and guide representatives and supervisors. 

“The most rewarding part of my job is helping my peers and sharing knowledge,” Val said. “The most challenging is trying to solve a complicated issue and assuring the customer I will follow-up with a resolution.” 

Over the years, Val has learned that providing great service starts with understanding the customer. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Whitney, crafting, exercising and watching the Eagles.  

Young woman sitting at deskSkye: Helping customers by helping the team 

Customers may not always see the work happening behind the scenes, but it is an essential part of their experience.  

Skye supports multiple areas of back-office billing and helps fellow employees understand processes that resolve customer issues. In nearly five years with PPL Electric, she has expanded her knowledge and used what she’s learned to train other representatives. 

She enjoys helping her colleagues, teaching them, answering questions and helping them reach their goals. 

For Skye, effective communication is about more than simply completing a task or providing information. “It’s important to provide the correct answer but also to make sure the customer feels heard and is satisfied with their experience.” 

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, especially finding new places to walk her dog, Nova.  

woman smiling, computer screen behind her Kathy: Listening first and finding solutions second 

After nearly 19 years, Kathy knows that solving a problem begins with listening to our customers. 

“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to listen before trying to solve a customer’s problem,” Kathy said. “Sometimes, the customer needs to express their concern or provide background information before problem-solving is even possible. It also helps avoid assumptions and really get to the bottom of the issue.” 

In Kathy’s role, she’s responsible for prioritizing a variety of back-office work items and service orders based on issue and urgency. One of her most challenging responsibilities is billing large power customers, which requires extensive billing knowledge and attention to detail.  

She also trains fellow employees on the processes required to complete various back-office items and guide them through complex issues. 

In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her grandson, Connor, trying new restaurants with her family and shopping. 

Going the extra mile together 

Whether they’re answering a call, researching a billing question, handling an important work order or helping a colleague find the right solution, our customer service employees share a common goal: helping customers feel heard, supported and confident in our ability to resolve their issues. 

This National Customer Service Week, we’re proud to recognize Gigi, Val, Skye and Kathy and all the other employees who go the extra mile for our customers. 

Summer bills: What’s driving costs and ways you can save

Summer bills: What’s driving costs and ways you can save

The summer heat can be unbearable. But keeping your home cool and comfortable may be causing your electric bill to increase. With air conditioning, cooling equipment or dehumidifiers working overtime during extreme heat, it’s common to see spikes in your summer usage.

If your bill is higher this summer, it may be due to a combination of factors, including increased energy use during hot weather, changes in the price of electricity supply and the new distribution base rate that took effect July 1.

As your local electric company, we deliver electricity to your home, but we don’t own or operate the power plants where that electricity is generated. In Pennsylvania, you can shop for a third-party supplier based on price or other factors, or you’ll automatically pay the Price to Compare.

If you have a supplier, now is a good time to check the price you’re paying and use the Price to Compare as a benchmark. Many customers sign up with a supplier that initially offers a lower rate but lose track of contract terms or supplier notifications and end up shifting to a variable rate that is much higher than the Price to Compare.

In May, residential customers paying rates above the Price to Compare collectively paid about $7.2 million more than the default rate, while those paying below it saved approximately $2.3 million. These differences reflect the range of products and pricing options available in the competitive market.

With the cost of everyday essentials continuing to rise, every dollar counts. Taking a few minutes to review your options and regularly check the price you’re paying for supply can help you stay informed and avoid paying more than necessary.

 

5 ways to take control of your summer bill

  1. Track your energy use to stay informed. Even small energy-saving changes can make a big impact.
  2. Review your supply price and compare offers from third-party suppliers at papowerswitch.com.
  3. Sign up for PPL Alerts to receive Price to Compare notifications, bill due reminders and more.
  4. Enroll in Budget Billing to even out the seasonal swings in your bill and make your monthly payments more predictable.
  5. Check out our Bill Toolkit at pplelectric.com/toolkit for a comprehensive list of simple tools and support to help make your bill more affordable.
Investing in a stronger, more reliable future for you

Investing in a stronger, more reliable future for you

Last month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved a settlement resolving our distribution rate review. Here’s what that means for you and what we’re doing to invest in the system, improve reliability and enhance customer support. 

Strengthening reliability 

We’re making targeted investments to deliver the reliable service you depend on – especially during severe weather.

  • Building a stronger distribution system to better withstand extreme weather: Replacing aging infrastructure, adding stronger poles, pole-top equipment and wires and installing additional animal, avian and lightning guards. 
  • Reducing tree-related outages: Enhancing tree trimming and removal, including addressing diseased and dying trees both on and off our rights-of-way.  
  • Expanding next-generation smart grid technologies: Expanding advanced automation to accelerate restoration and reduce outages, and data analytics to inform smarter business decisions that deliver the greatest value. 

Supporting our customers 

We are continuing to expand programs designed to help. 

  • Expanding low-income assistance and enhancing screening for eligibility. 
  • Removing reconnection fees for income-eligible customers. 
  • Continuing to offer flexible payment arrangements, energy-saving tools and programs to help you manage your bill. 

Protecting customers as demand grows 

As demand increases across our region, we’re taking steps to ensure residential customers are protected. Large energy users, like data centers, will be required to make long-term financial commitments so system costs are not shifted to customers like you. 

That includes new funding to support low-income assistance programs, helping reduce costs for residential customers over time.

As part of the decision, we have established a new large-load customer rate class designed to support system growth while protecting existing customers. The new rate class includes binding long-term financial and usage commitments, with a minimum 10-year requirement for large users such as data centers, helping ensure infrastructure costs are paid by the large load customers and not inappropriately shifted to other customers. 

Beginning in 2027, we’ll be assigning $11 million annually in low-income program assistance to these large-load customers through a non-bypassable charge — reducing costs for residential customers. 

Implementation and impact 

New rates will take effect July 1, 2026. For residential customers using 1,000 kWh, the expected total bill change will be approximately $6.48 per month. For commercial customers using 1,000 kWh and 3 kW, the expected total bill change will be approximately $4.08 per month.

As part of the approved decision, we will not increase distribution base rates for at least two years following implementation. This is our first base rate increase since 2016 and demonstrates our commitment to managing costs and providing the reliable electric service you depend on. 

We understand any increase in your bill can be a challenge. We’re committed to managing costs while continuing to deliver safe, reliable service. 

For more information on the filings and approved settlement, visit pplelectric.com/RateInfo.

Cooling Center Locations 

Cooling Center Locations 

July is kicking off our first heat wave of the summer. But we’re here to keep you safe, cool and informed.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Steve is sharing three ways our crews — and you, too — can stay safe as we head into the holiday weekend.

If you’re looking for a break from the heat, we’re also sharing cooling center locations available across our region.

Updated July 4: We’ve added new locations across Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton, York, Berks and Lackawanna counties, and removed locations that have closed for the season’s first heat event.

Can’t find a location near you? Call 211.

PA 211 can connect you with the nearest open cooling location anywhere in our service territory — free, confidential and available 24/7, including holidays.

  • Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211
  • Search online anytime at pa211.org

Bucks County

Benjamin H. Wilson Senior Center

  • 580 Delmont Ave., Warminster, PA 18974
  • Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Phone: 215-672-8380

Bristol Borough Senior Center

  • 301 Wood St., Bristol, PA 19007
  • Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Phone: 215-788-9238

Bristol Township Senior Center

  • 2501 Bath Rd., Bristol, PA 19007
  • Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pennridge FISH Org, Inc. – Annex Building

  • 812 W Chestnut St. (rear/side entrance), Perkasie, PA 18944
  • Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Adults only)

Quakertown Masonic Lodge

  • 501 W Broad St., Quakertown, PA 18951
  • Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lehigh County

City of Allentown Pools — Cedar Beach, Mack and Irving

  • Hours: Daily, noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

City of Allentown Spray Parks — Bucky Boyle, Clyde E. Bosket Sr. and Old Allentown Fairgrounds

  • Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Northampton County

Northampton County senior centers are open as cooling stations on dangerously hot days during regular weekday hours, and all are accessible via LANTA transportation:

Basilio Huertas Senior Center

  • 520 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA 18015
  • Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cherryville Senior Center

  • 4131 Lehigh Dr., Cherryville, PA 18035
  • Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Silver Connections Senior Center

  • 901 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042
  • Hours: Weekdays, opens at 9 a.m.

Wayne County

Honesdale Public Library

  • 1406 Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431
  • Hours: Daily, until 6 p.m. (call ahead to confirm holiday hours)

For additional cooling locations in Wayne County, dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

York County

LifePath Christian Ministries

  • 367 W. Market St., York, PA 17401
  • Hours: Extended cooling hours through July 5, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Overnight shelter hotline: 717-472-8911

Hanover Area Council of Churches

  • 136 Carlisle St., Hanover, PA 17331
  • Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Berks County

The Berks County Area Agency on Aging has designated its senior centers as cooling locations during their normal weekday business hours. Free fans are available for adults over 60 at the Mohnton senior center.

  • For locations and hours, call the Berks County Area Agency on Aging at 610-478-6500 or visit berksaging.org

Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County senior community centers are open as cooling locations during regular weekday hours:

  • Scranton Senior Community Center — 1004 Jackson St., Scranton — Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Fallbrook Senior Community Center — 185 Fallbrook Ave., Carbondale — Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Hillside Senior Community Center — 1151 Winola Rd., Clarks Summit — Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Dunmore Senior Community Center — 1414 Monroe Ave., Dunmore — Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Throop Senior Community Center — 500 Sanderson St., Throop — Monday – Friday, from 10 a.m.
  • Mid Valley Senior Community Center — 310 Church St., Jessup — Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • North Pocono Senior Community Center — 6 John J. Michaels Dr., Covington Township — Monday – Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Taylor Senior Community Center — 700 S. Main St., Taylor — Monday – Wednesday, noon to 3 p.m.

Many county cooling locations operate on weekday schedules. If you need a cool place to go on a weekend or holiday, call 211 or visit an air-conditioned public space like a library, mall or community center near you.

Check out more tips for staying comfortable when temperatures rise.

Get ready for summer with our Bill Toolkit

Get ready for summer with our Bill Toolkit

Summer heat and increased energy use can bring extra stress. We’re here to help you stay in control.

Our Bill Toolkit makes it easier to manage your bill, understand your energy use and find help when you need it. Whether you’re planning ahead or looking for support today, you’ll find simple tools and resources designed to meet you where you are.

Since no two households are the same, our Bill Toolkit offers a wide variety of resources for all families, regardless of income.

Choose the solutions that work for you and save this summer.

Manage your bill.

Take steps now to make your payments more predictable and avoid surprises later in the season.

  • Budget Billing: Enroll for more predictable payments.
  • PPL Alerts: Stay informed with alerts about Price to Compare changes and bill due reminders.
  • Shop for a supplier: Review offers from third-party suppliers and choose one that’s right for you.

Manage your energy use.

Small changes can make a big difference, especially as summer usage begins to climb.

  • Explore Energy Analyzer: See when, where and how your home uses energy so you can learn where to use less and save more.
  • Find No-Cost Energy Saving Tips: Easy ways to stay cool while using less electricity.
  • Schedule a Virtual Assessment: Kickstart your energy efficiency journey and get personalized recommendations with a no-cost home energy assessment.

Get help paying, now.

If paying your bill is a challenge, support is available for all households.

  • Set up a payment arrangement: Pay off a past due balance over time.
  • Get assistance: See if you’re eligible for fixed monthly payments and debt forgiveness with OnTrack.
  • Apply for a grant: Operation HELP offers cash grants toward your electric bill, if eligible.

Summer’s highest energy use is still ahead and taking a few steps now can make a real difference in the months to come. Explore our tools, plan ahead and feel more confident heading into the season.

Explore more help for summer bills at pplelectric.com/toolkit.