Apr 29, 2021 | Safety and Security
Who says electricity — and learning about it — can’t be fun?
More than 5,000 children are discovering just how fun it can be, thanks to an entertaining and educational theater program we’re offering to schools across Pennsylvania.
The show, typically performed in school auditoriums and gymnasiums by actors, is now hosted via livestream, due to the pandemic, to ensure the safety of children and actors.
The latest performance — “Captain Wattage” — was pre-recorded and is being presented to 33 schools from April 27 and May 19.
“Captain Wattage” tells a superhero-themed story about the uses of electricity and how to stay safe around it, as well as how it is created. A livestream host introduces and recaps the information, and students and teachers can submit questions and responses through a live Q&A feature.
These events are supplemented by student playbooks, posters and a full e-learning package including games, activities, e-books, and hands-on lessons for students to enjoy even after the program concludes.
Over 105,000 children have seen electrical safety theater performances since the start of our program.
Apr 7, 2021 | Community Involvement, Environment
At PPL, the environment is important to us and we know it’s equally important to you! That’s why we’re launching a campaign to honor Earth Day 2021 and we invite you to join us!
This year’s theme is #RestoreOurEarth. And what better time to get outside and preserve this beautiful environment than during Earth Week?
To join us, all you have to do is share a photo of you and your family doing something outside to preserve our environment between April 19 – April 25. Make sure you tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and use the hashtag #EarthDayMyWay.
Whether you’re planting a tree or garden, using a reusable water bottle, riding your bike, taking a walk, or discovering native plants, together we can #RestoreOurEarth.
To learn more about our environmental initiatives, here are just a few programs that demonstrate our commitment:
Community Roots
Through this program, we provide plants and trees to help preserve the environment where we live, play, and work.
Wood Recycling Program
Learn more about how we recycle old or broken utility poles to keep them out of landfills.
Helping Birds of Prey
This is how we protect wildlife and keep bald eagles soaring through our territory.
Mar 30, 2021 | Community Involvement
As any teacher will tell you, the transition to a virtual environment has been a challenge. That’s why we’re stepping up to ease the burden and connect students with the resources they need to thrive.
Through a partnership with Smithsonian Science Education Center, Da Vinci Science Center, and the Allentown School District, we successfully launched a STEM literacy series for fourth and fifth grade students.
STEM – which stands for “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math” – is critical as it prepares students for future success in both school and their careers.
To kick-off this initiative, we funded a professional development training with teachers so they could successfully launch the STEM program for roughly 2,500 students. Fourth graders learn about energy in the home, while fifth grade students are studying environmental energy. The great thing about this program is students receive a STEM package of their own, including a textbook and science kit. These resources are for the students to keep at home and share with their families after the 6-week lesson is complete.
We’re proud to play a small part in preventing STEM learning loss for these students during such a difficult time. Here’s to the next generation of STEM leaders!
Mar 30, 2021 | Community Involvement
In 2018 when we agreed to grant $100,000 to the Susquehanna Health Foundation toward an “ambulance bus,” it was an exciting and innovative idea. But this year, we saw that idea and vision come to life.
Now, this climate-controlled, 15 passenger, ambulance bus will be used for a variety of functions, all contributing to the health and safety of the community. The goal is to reach residents across 12 counties, 7 of which are within our territory, through paramedic and firefighter training and drills for emergency responders. It’s already been put to good use, delivering COVID19 vaccines to senior citizens in Williamsport, Lycoming County.
Since its founding in 2015, the PPL Foundation has contributed $15 million to organizations across our 29-county region. We’re proud to play a small part in preparing for the unique healthcare needs of this area, while supporting two of the PPL Foundation’s major focuses: education and sustainable communities.
We’re looking forward to seeing the ambulance bus in action!
Mar 19, 2021 | Community Involvement
Mike Bezick’s day-to-day routine as a journeyman, doesn’t normally include helping a stranded customer. But one cold day this winter, that’s exactly what he did.
As Mike drove back to our Lehigh Service Center during a fresh snowstorm, he discovered a vehicle that slid off the roadway into a tree. Mike stopped to see how he could help.
After assessing the situation, he confirmed the driver was conscious but recognized he could not exit his vehicle. The tree was blocking the drivers’ door. Mike, concerned for his safety, immediately called 911 to report the accident. Then he stayed with the driver, keeping him calm, until the emergency responders arrived.
Our employees are always willing to offer a helping hand, whether that means volunteering in their local communities, or stopping at the scene of an accident. Mike embodies our corporate values. And we’re proud of the courage and kindness he displayed as he helped a customer in need.
