Mar 10, 2022 | Safety and Security
We’re joining the Federal Trade Commission to recognize National Consumer Protection Week and the continuing efforts to educate customers on scams.
We’re helping to work across the industry with our fellow utility partners, regulators, and law enforcement to stop scams for good. The bottom line is we have your back.
National Consumer Protection Week is a chance to raise awareness on this important issue.
When it comes to potential scam activity, be aware of these tactics:
- Threats to immediately shut-off your service
- Requests for payment with a prepaid card or digital payment app
- Spam emails with lookalike logos or trademarks
- Caller ID displaying our phone number, but the caller sounds suspicious
If a marketer calls or knocks at your door, remember:
- We do not market or sell supplier services by phone or door-to-door. If the solicitor claims to represent PPL, check your online account or call us directly before providing any personal info.
- Don’t always trust caller ID. Scammers can make it look like PPL is calling. If you suspect the caller might not really be PPL, hang up.
- Update your PPL account with a security PIN or password and never give it to anyone who calls you. We will ask for your PIN and password when you call us to make sure it’s really you.
- And if you’re interested in shopping for an electricity supplier, you can find all the info you need on our secure website: pplelectric.com/shopsmart.
Let’s spread the word about scams so we can stop them for good!
Mar 7, 2022 | Community Involvement
In addition to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity, we’re committed to empowering our communities through various initiatives and investments, such as our annual United Way campaign.
PPL Corporation’s 2021 campaign, which included contributions from PPL Electric employees and retirees, raised more than $5 million for United Way agencies.
In the Central Susquehanna region, we contributed more than $62,000. And Adrienne Mael, President and CEO of the United Way of Columbia and Montour County and Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, was especially grateful.
“Over the years, PPL Electric Utilities has been incredibly proactive in reaching out to help address the areas of greatest need for our local community,” Mael said. “From sending volunteers into the community, providing support through the COVID-19 pandemic, and serving on committees to help guide our priorities for impact, PPL Electric is always there. They are part of the solution to meeting our community’s greatest needs.”
Our Northeast region, which includes Lackawanna and Wayne counties, saw agencies receive more than $36,000 in donations.
In the Lancaster area, two United Way agencies received more than $42,000 in support.
And, our Lehigh region, received more than $2.3 million in donations to five different agencies.
With United Way, we can trust our contributions will be used to improve the quality of life for our neighbors across Pennsylvania. We’re proud to support this critical mission.
Feb 25, 2022 | Bill Help
If you’re struggling to pay or even facing a shut-off, we have programs and payment agreements to help you catch up.
Programs for income-eligible customers
LIHEAP: Apply for free federal grants to help with your home heating bills and emergencies.
OnTrack: Get a lower fixed monthly payment. If you have a past-due balance, you’ll also receive debt forgiveness.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): If you rent your home and your income was impacted by the pandemic, you may qualify for free grants to help with your rent and utility bills. Many of our customers have already taken advantage of this federal program. In fact, PPL Electric customers have claimed more than $6 million in ERAP funds so far, and there are still millions of dollars remaining in the program.
Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF): If you own a home and can show that your income has gone down or your living expenses have gone up as a result of the pandemic, you may be eligible for free money to help with your mortgage and utility bills.
Operation HELP: Apply for a cash grant to help with home heating bills.
CARES: If you’re experiencing a temporary hardship, such as illness or injury, you may qualify for protection from shut-off.
WRAP: See if you qualify for free energy efficiency products to help save energy and money.
Programs for all customers
Payment agreements: We can set you up with an agreement to pay down your bill over time.
Budget billing: We’ll average your electric use over the entire year so your bill amount will be more predictable.
Not sure where to start?
Sign into your online profile at pplelectric.com and click “Get Help Paying.” We’ll ask you a few questions about your household and financial information and recommend the programs that will benefit your family most.
Jan 31, 2022 | Safety and Security
Winter is prime season for space heaters. While space heaters can keep you comfortable, they can also be dangerous.
When you’re using an electric space heater to warm up your home, office, or business, follow these tips to stay safe:
- Only buy newer models with current safety features.
- Make sure the product has an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
- Position the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic.
- Always keep children and pets away from space heaters.
- Plug all electric space heaters directly into wall outlets.
- Avoid using extension cords with space heaters. If you need to use an extension cord, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Buy a space heater with a tip-over safety switch.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Jan 31, 2022 | Safety and Security
As winter kicks into full gear, we can expect to see more snow and, of course, cold temperatures.
While we all do our best to stay warm during these times, we may occasionally need a little extra help to keep ourselves, and our homes, cozy. This may mean using anything from a plug-in, portable space heater to, in the event of a severe storm, a portable generator.
Even though it may seem easier to take a shortcut when trying to stay warm, you should always keep safety top of mind. Here is some information on the dangers associated with three common pieces of electrical equipment used during winter, as well as tips on how to use them safely.
Electric Blankets and Heating Pads
Both electric blankets and heating pads can provide some relief from the cold. While they may seem harmless, they cause almost 500 fires each year, according to ESFI. Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe:
- Heating pads and electric blankets are not designed to be used interchangeably or at the same time.
- Always be sure to inspect the device before using it. Start by checking the electrical cord and replace the item if you find any damage.
- Do not place other objects or blankets on top of an electric blanket while it’s in use as it can easily overheat.
- Do not tuck an electric blanket into the mattress and avoid folding it. Both can cause the blanket to overheat.
- Never leave these devices unattended or use them while you are sleeping.
Space Heaters
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), heating equipment — like portable space heaters — are the second leading cause of home fires in the United States and more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment annually. It’s important to use these devices sparingly, and only when needed, to prevent something from going wrong. Here are some tips to ensure you’re being safe:
- Before using a space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions in full.
- Don’t plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips.
- Be sure to give space heaters plenty of room and keep them on a level surface away from flammable objects and foot traffic.
- Remember to only use a space heater when needed and don’t leave a heater unattended while in use. Make sure you turn it off and unplug the cord when you’re not using the device.
- It may be advantageous to ditch your older space heater for a new one that has built-in safety features like a tip-over switch.
Generators
If the power goes out during a winter storm, you may turn to a generator. While the ability to keep the essentials running is certainly amazing, generators can pose a serious risk to your health. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 50% of all generator-related carbon monoxide deaths occur during the winter months. Follow these tips before firing up your generator:
- Be sure you are reading, and following, the manufacturer’s guidelines for operation and take heed of any warnings. This includes making sure you use the proper fuel for the generator and only add fuel when the generator is cool.
- Before each use, inspect the generator to ensure it’s in good working order.
- Generators should never be used in an enclosed area or placed inside a home or business. Be sure to also keep them away from windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to sneak inside.
- Even though you will be using the generator outside, make sure that your home has battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors that are in good, working condition.
- Make sure you never backfeed power from the generator into your home. Doing so can create serious safety hazards for our linemen working to restore your service by sending power back outside of your home.
Remember, with a little preparation and a few precautions, you can keep you, your family and your home safe and warm this winter.
For more information about how we promote safety, visit pplelectric.com/safety.
