Feb 4, 2024 | Reliability
We’re committed to delivering reliable power no matter what the weather brings – a commitment that is rooted in year-round preparation.
Our grid is one of the most reliable in the country. Over the past decade, we have made significant investments to build a stronger, smarter and more resilient grid. From clearing vegetation around power lines and replacing aging equipment to installing state-of-the-art grid technology, our reliability investments mean customers are experiencing 30% fewer outages since 2011.
Stay safe and save with the following tips:
Storm Safety
However, even with the best preparation and information, storms and severe weather can cause damage and result in outages. Adjust alert preferences to receive a phone call, text or email at pplelectric.com/alerts to stay informed during a storm.
If you experience an outage, report it by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL, by visiting pplelectric.com/outage or texting “Outage” to TXTPPL.
A few other important storm safety tips to remember:
- Charge your phones and other devices in advance of a storm so they are fully powered.
- Keep generators far from buildings and do not operate them in confined spaces, such as garages.
- Stay away from any downed wires and always assume they are live and carry electricity. Report downed wires by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL.
Winter Energy Savings
Easy, inexpensive tips to help you save energy and money when the temperature declines:
- Leave your curtains and blinds open. During the day, capture the sun’s light and heat to gain warmth from the sun. At night, close your curtains and blinds to prevent that free heat from escaping.
- Prevent fireplace heat loss. Keep the damper closed when you’re not using your fireplace so warm air doesn’t escape through the chimney. Energy-efficient fireplace grates also help you save by pulling cool air out of your room and into the fireplace while bringing warm air back into the room.
- Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans. Yes, fans can also keep you warm. Flip the switch to change the direction of the blades so they spin clockwise and pull warm air downward.
- Winterize windows and doors. Inspect all your doors, windows and ductwork for gaps that could leak heat from your home. Many of these cracks and leaks can easily be fixed with caulk and weatherstripping.
- Adjust your thermostat. When you’re home and awake, set the heat as low as it feels comfortable. Aim for 68 degrees as an optimal temperature. Wearing warmer clothing or grabbing a blanket can help keep you cozy. While you’re sleeping or out of the house, lower the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees. Lowering the thermostat for at least eight hours can save up to 10% on your heating bill. A programmable thermostat will make it even easier to save.
The winter can be unpredictable and unforgiving, but our team is always ready to respond. Our grid is strong, reliable and evolving, and our employees are committed to keeping you safe and warm this winter.
Reliability investments like developing these first-of-its-kind resistance drills help us reduce costs and keep the lights on for our 1.5 million customers. These drills help measure decay on both the inside and outside of utility poles to assess their health and identify when poles need to be replaced.
May 24, 2023 | Reliability, Storms and Outages
As summer approaches, so does the start of the summer storm season.
We want you to know we’re prepared to continue delivering safe and reliable service in all kinds of weather.
One way we keep the lights on during storms is through the investments we’ve made in our Smart Grid. If an outage occurs, our self-healing grid can sense the problem and automatically reroute power to restore as many customers as possible, almost instantly. This technology — along with replacing older equipment, upgrading to storm-resistant poles and wires and using data to proactively trim trees before they fall on wires — helps us reduce outages and respond quicker if an outage occurs.
We’ve also made it easier than ever to stay informed. You can customize your outage alerts to receive a phone call, text message or email with updates on repair crew status and estimated restoration times if you lose power. You can customize those alerts and also sign up for billing and payment alerts on our Alert Preferences page.
Even with the best preparation and information, storms and severe weather can cause damage and result in outages. We keep our outage map updated with real-time information on outage causes and estimated restoration times. If your power goes out, you can help us by reporting your outage in a few simple steps on our Outages and Issues page.
No matter what Mother Nature throws our way, we’ll be ready. And, our crews will be there to work as safely and quickly as possible to restore power if needed.
Apr 10, 2023 | Customer Service
Have you visited pplelectric.com recently?
Here are 10 reasons you should set up your online account today.
1) It’s easy: You can set up an online account at pplelectric.com/register in three simple steps.
2) It’s mobile: The site is built for your mobile device, so managing your account is easier than ever on any phone, tablet, or laptop.
3) It’s convenient: With the site’s enhanced self-service areas, you can make everyday transactions without picking up the phone.
4) Pay your bill: Make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments, all in a few clicks.
5) Get bill help: Once logged in, you can answer a few questions to get customized payment assistance options.
6) Go paperless: Save money and time – and help the planet – by signing up for paperless billing.
7) Manage your energy use: Track your electricity use over time so you can take charge of your energy use.
8) Get moving: At pplelectric.com/moving you can start, stop, or transfer your electric service up to 40 days before you move.
9) Shop for supply: Find tips and tools to help you choose the electricity supplier that offers the price and service that’s right for you.
10) So much more: On pplelectric.com you can report and check on an outage, explore our energy efficiency programs and rebates, learn more about electrical safety and more.
Don’t wait. Set up your online account at pplelectric.com today!
Feb 15, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
Looking to increase your home’s comfort while saving a few dollars? Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Free virtual home assessment
With our no-cost virtual home assessment you can spend 30 minutes on the phone with an Energy Advisor. You’ll receive customized, energy-saving recommendations, along with suggestions on rebates and incentives that we offer. You’ll also get a free energy-savings kit with do-it-yourself upgrade ideas and Information.
If you rent your home – or you’re not ready for an in-home visit – our virtual home assessment is an ideal option. Learn more and schedule your assessment here.
In-home audit
Get a thorough look at your home’s energy use with an in-home audit. A certified contractor will give you a detailed assessment of your heating and cooling systems, provide a blower door test so you can see where you may be leaking energy, and give you a personalized report with rebate suggestions on energy efficiency products.
Plus, you’ll receive a free energy savings kit with do-it-yourself upgrade information, and you can get a rebate of up to $250 to offset the cost of the assessment. If you own your home and you’re looking to decrease your energy use, this option is for you! Learn more.
Jan 13, 2023 | Energy Efficiency
If you’re looking to heat your home in a more efficient and cost-effective way, look no further than a heat pump. Learn how you can save on your monthly energy costs and receive a $400 rebate from PPL Electric Utilities.
Even when it’s very cold out, there’s still heat energy in the air. In the winter, heat pumps use electricity to transfer that heat energy from outside, and uses it to heat your home. The process works the same way during the summer, but in reverse. Thanks to modern advances in technology, heat pumps provide energy-efficient heating even in the coldest weeks of Pennsylvania’s winter temperatures.
Ductless Heat Pump
A ductless heat pump (also called a mini-split heat pump) offers flexible heating and cooling for individual rooms or can be set up as a multi-unit zone system throughout the home. They consume 60% less energy than standard resistance-based heating systems and can reduce cooling costs by 30% compared to conventional air conditioners.
Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump can also be used to heat water. Just like a mini-split, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to transfer heat from one place to another. An ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heater consumes 70% less energy compared to a standard model and you can expect to save an average of $315 a year in energy costs.
Start Saving Now
Our customers can receive a $400 rebate when installing a ductless heat pump or heat pump water heater. These upgrades may qualify for our bonus rebate as well as government tax credits.
