Nov 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.
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, we’re dedicated to keeping the lights on for our customers.
While we prepare for winter storm season, we have tips to help you prepare and stay safe as well.
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.
Sep 24, 2024 | Reliability, Storms and Outages
At PPL Electric Utilities, we’ve made it easy for you to stay connected and access the information you need. Here are some simple ways to stay updated during an emergency.
1. Report an Outage
If your power goes out, the first thing you should do is let us know. You can report the outage by texting “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775), by visiting pplelectric.com/outage or by calling us at 1-800-342-5775 .
2. Get Alerts
Manage your alerts at pplelectric.com/alerts to receive real-time updates on your power status. Choose to receive alerts via text, email, phone or any combination of the three so you’re always in the loop. You can adjust your alert preferences anytime to fit your needs.
3. Check our Outage Map
Curious about what’s happening in your area? Visit the PPL Outage Map to see where outages are occurring and get an estimate of when power will be restored.
4. Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates, tips, and news during an outage. Follow us on X (Twitter) and Facebook to get real-time information and ask questions if you need help. Social media is also a great way to connect with others in your community.
5. Keep Your Phone Charged
Our phones serve as a lifeline during an emergency. Make sure your phone is fully charged before a storm hits, and keep a portable charger handy just in case. This way, you can stay connected receive alerts and stay in touch with family and friends.
Pro Tip: Turn on battery-saving mode on your phone to extend its battery life.
6. Have a Battery-Powered Radio
A battery-powered radio is a reliable way to stay informed, especially if your phone runs out of battery or you lose cell service. Tune in to local news and weather updates to stay updated on what’s happening and when power might be restored. Don’t forget to keep extra batteries on hand!
7. Write Down Important Numbers
Keep a list of important phone numbers, including your utilities, local emergency services, and family contacts. Store the list in a safe place where you can easily find it during an outage. It’s a good backup in case your phone isn’t working.
Helpful Hint: Store the list in a waterproof bag or container to keep it safe in your emergency kit.
Be Prepared, Stay Connected
By following these tips, you can stay informed and connected during an emergency. Remember, the key to staying safe is knowing what’s happening and how to respond.
Sep 18, 2024 | Safety and Security, Storms and Outages
September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and there’s no better time to make sure you and your family are ready for the unexpected. When disaster strikes, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference.
Kit Essentials
1. Flashlights and Batteries
Make sure you have flashlights for everyone in your family and plenty of extra batteries. Flashlights are safer than candles, which can be a fire hazard. Keep a flashlight in each room so you don’t have to search for one in the dark.
2. Food and Water
You’ll want to have enough food and water to last at least three days. Choose non-perishable foods like canned goods and granola bars—things that don’t need to be refrigerated and don’t forget to include a manual can opener. For water, plan on having one gallon per person per day. That’s enough for drinking and basic hygiene.
3. First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen. Be sure to have a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications your family might need. It’s also a good idea to have some over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and allergy medicine.
4. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio
Staying informed is important during an emergency. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio will help you stay informed. Make sure you have extra batteries for the radio, too!
5. Blankets and Warm Clothing
Be prepared for various seasons and temperatures. In winter, you’ll need to stay warm. Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing like hats and gloves in your kit. Even in warmer weather, a cozy blanket can make a tough situation more comfortable.
6. Hygiene Items
Staying clean is important, even during an emergency. Pack some hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and basic hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant. If you have babies or young children, don’t forget diapers and baby wipes.
7. Important Documents
It’s a good idea to keep copies of important documents in your emergency kit. This could include things like insurance policies, birth certificates, and a list of important phone numbers. Store them in a waterproof container to keep them safe.
8. Portable Phone Charger
You’ll want to stay connected, so make sure you have a portable phone charger in your kit. Keep it charged and ready. Putting It All Together
Once you’ve gathered everything, store your emergency kit in a large, sturdy container like a plastic bin or a duffle bag. Keep it in a place that’s easy to reach and let everyone in your family know where it is.
That’s it! With your emergency kit ready to go, you’ll be prepared for anything. Stay safe, and let’s be ready for whatever comes our way!
May 30, 2024 | Storms and Outages
Summer is on the horizon, which often means severe weather, including thunder and lightning. But even with the best preparation, storms or lightning strikes may cause outages. We’re prepared to respond to any storms that hit our area this summer and always. And if outages occur, we’ll work around the clock as safely and quickly as possible to get your lights back on.
Watch this video to learn more about how we prepare.
We want you and your family to be prepared for storms as well.
Here are a few tips to stay safe during summer storms.
When thunder roars, go indoors!
Did you know: According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times per year?
If the sky looks threatening or you hear thunder, even in the distance, immediately seek shelter. The safest place during a thunder and lightning storm is in an enclosed permanent building or metal-topped vehicle with all doors and windows closed. Outdoor tents or gazebos will not keep you safe from a lightning strike.
Before a storm:
- Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, medication, flashlights and pet supplies.
- Charge your phones and devices.
- Purchase power strips with lightning arrestors or surge protectors for your appliances and electronics.
- Adjust your alert preferences to stay informed in case of an outage at pplelectric.com/alerts.
During a storm:
- Stay away from utility poles and metal conductors.
- Electric and plumbing equipment may carry lightning current. Avoid using any appliances or electronics plugged into an electrical outlet.
- Don’t use water to wash dishes or take a shower.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Report an outage, or check the status of an outage, at pplelectric.com/outage.
- And finally, remember to stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after thunder stops.
Source: lightningsafetycouncil.org
Sep 7, 2023 | Safety and Security
September is National Preparedness Month, and amid an active storm season, we encourage you to plan ahead so you’re ready if an emergency strikes.
“This year, we have already experienced 36 storms across the regions we serve,” said Sal Salet, vice president of Distribution Operations. “While we continually maintain and upgrade our grid to better withstand more severe storms, we recommend all of our customers plan ahead to be ready for any emergency.”
Here are a few steps to get you started:
- Make a plan: Develop an emergency plan including everyone in your household so you’ll know how and where to meet, how you’ll contact each other and what to do in different situations.
- Be prepared: Prepare an emergency kit, including non-perishable food, water, medication, first aid supplies and any pet supplies you may need. Also include batteries and battery-operated flashlights. Store your emergency kit in one location that’s easy for everyone to find and preferably in an air-tight container.
- Stay Informed: We use several ways to communicate before storms and during emergencies. One way to stay informed is through alerts. Sign into your online account and adjust your alert preferences at pplelectric.com/alerts. You can choose to receive a phone call, email, or text message for status updates about an outage. For more tips on reporting outages and staying safe during a storm, visit pplelectric.com/outage.
We also take storm-prep very seriously and constantly prepare for emergencies. Here are a few things we do to prevent outages:
- Ongoing investments: Throughout the year, we make key investments to strengthen our electric system to be more resilient against severe weather. This work includes investments in grid automation, comprehensive line clearing and enhancements to power lines, poles, and other equipment. Since 2015, our smart grid technology alone has avoided more than 1.7 million outages.
- Training and safety measures: Our teams are constantly training on storm-response techniques and practicing how we respond and dispatch crews. Leading up to severe weather, our team monitors the weather and its impact across surrounding regions so we already have crews ready to respond when the storm hits.
- Mutual response: We maintain mutual assistance relationships that provide access to critical resources and hundreds of crews in 29 states and four provinces in Canada when mobilizing for potential large-scale restoration efforts.
“Our customers are always top priority,” said Salet. “That remains true whether we are restoring power after a storm or planning investments to our grid.”
Don’t wait for a storm to hit. Use National Preparedness Month as a reminder to make a plan, create a kit and be prepared for any type of emergency. Stay safe!
