This week’s major cold front

This week’s major cold front

Jan 27, 2026 | Energy Efficiency

As the winter chill sets in, keeping your home warm and comfortable is top of mind. If you rely on electric heat, it may drive up your winter electric use. Proper maintenance and smart energy management can help you stay cozy and keep your winter heating use in check.

Make the most of your heating system with the tips and information below.

13 cold-weather savings tips

Baseboard heating tips:

  1. Keep baseboard heaters clean. Regularly dusting and vacuuming the coils of your electric baseboard heaters can improve their efficiency. Dirty heaters require more energy to generate heat.
  2. Avoid blocking the flow of warm air. Since electric baseboard heaters use convection and natural air currents to heat your space, it’s especially important to make sure that furniture, drapes and carpets are at least one foot away from them.
  3. Focus on heating the rooms you use the most and close doors to unused spaces to help concentrate the heat where it’s needed. You can save up to 20% on your energy costs by keeping baseboard heaters on only in the room you’re in, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Be sure that any pets or plants are moved to heated areas of your house before turning off baseboard heaters in unused rooms.
  4. Verify that your thermostat is functioning correctly. A faulty thermostat can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and inefficient heating.
  5. For older baseboard heating, consider upgrading to newer, energy-efficient heating systems, such as ductless heat pumps. They’re designed to provide better performance while using less electricity.

Tips for heat pumps:

  1. Set your thermostat to remain at a constant temperature, and limit any adjustments to 3°F or less so your heat pump doesn’t run inefficiently to catch up. The DOE recommends setting HVAC systems to 68°F in the winter, or lower while you’re asleep or away.
  2. Use “heat” mode for your heat pump’s temperature setting (instead of “auto”). Then set the heat pump fan on “auto.”
  3. If you have a backup heating system, set your heat pump higher and the backup system lower so that the heat pump is doing most of the work. If your backup system is the only source of heating in places like your basement, be sure it’s set high enough so that pipes won’t freeze.

General energy efficiency:

  1. Check for leaks and seal drafty areas of your home with weatherstripping or caulk. You can place draft stoppers at the bottom of doors to minimize heat loss.
  2. Use your ceiling fans to move warm air around a room, allowing you to turn down your thermostat a few degrees and save energy.
  3. Kitchen and bath exhaust fans can pull in cold air from the outside. Try to limit their use to no more than 20 minutes.
  4. If your heating system uses ducts, be sure that the air-intake vents and all other vents are free of dust.
  5. Keep an eye on your energy usage patterns. They can help you identify performance issues with your heating system or habits you may wish to adjust.

Looking for more ways to save?

A range of seasonal savings solutions are ready and waiting—discover all the ways we can help.

Winter bills straining your budget? We have resources to help.

Winter bills straining your budget? We have resources to help.

Jan 14, 2026 | Bill Help, Customer Service

The post-holiday blues have just set in, and the winter bills are already piling up. The holiday season — with all its joy and happiness — can be expensive. We feel it, too. 

But if you’re receiving higher-than-usual utility bills, we have some explanations, as well as resources to help you conserve and save throughout the rest of this cold winter. 

Check out a few reasons your bill may run higher in January: 

Colder temps 

You may not recall the average temps during the hustle and bustle of the season, but the last month has been pretty chilly across Pennsylvania. If you have electric heat or use electric space heaters to supplement your primary heating source, it’s likely they were working overtime when the temps dropped. Check out our Energy Analyzer at pplelectric.com/EnergyAnalyzer to see how colder temps affect your usage and discover ways to save. 

Holiday hosting and usage 

Check out the daily usage graph for your most recent bill. Go back to the first day of your billing cycle and try to remember if the days between were any different than those in prior months. For instance, did you: 

  • Host any holiday gatherings during the bill cycle in question? 
  • Hang lots of Christmas lights or decorate your front lawn with inflatables? 
  • Have extra visitors in your home plugging in additional electronics? 
  • Cook a big family dinner or bake holiday cookies? 

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, they could be reasons your usage spiked. 

The breakdown on bill cycles 

Did you know an average bill cycle may range from 26 to 35 days? The number of days billed depends on a variety of things, such as the number of business days within the month. Bills for electric use in November and December tend to have more days than those during the rest of the year because of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday breaks. This may lead to a higher January bill even if, on average, you were using the same amount of electricity per day. 

Budget Billing can help prevent the seasonal swings in your bill. The Budget program evens out your bill over 12 months and makes your payments more predictable. We’ll review your usage every three months to see if your budget amount needs adjustments. At the end of 12 months on the budget, we’ll settle the difference between your actual energy use and the amount you were billed. If you used more, we’ll bill you the difference. If you used less, we’ll credit your account.

Explore your options to save 

Our Seasonal Savings Solutions offer resources to help you manage your bill, become more energy efficient and get payment assistance when you need it. Find the right combination of options to help you offset higher winter bills. 

Manage your energy use:  
  • Maintaining your energy use is an effective way to manage costs at any income level. From no-cost and low-cost tips to tools, programs and rebates on energy-efficient products, we can help you conserve and save. 
Manage your bill: 
  • With options like making your bill more predictable, finding tools to track your hourly, daily or monthly electricity use, setting bill alerts, shopping for a supplier and requesting more time to pay, choose the resources that are right for you. 
Get help paying: 
  • If you need help paying your bill, we’re here for you. We have programs and payment arrangements to help every family in need, regardless of income. 

If you use more electricity over the winter, you’re not alone. Find the right combination of options to help you offset higher bills at pplelectric.com/SeasonalSavings. 

No-cost habits that actually save energy.

No-cost habits that actually save energy.

Dec 19, 2025 | Energy Efficiency

New year, new goals. We all love a little self-improvement—so why not add some home-improvement habits too? Turn that newfound motivation into real energy savings with simple, no-cost ways to make your home more efficient every day. Take our quick quiz to pick your favorite tips—and find out what your energy-saving style says about you.  
Illustration of a woman placing bubble wrap over her windows

Save energy with bubble wrap! Want one more no-cost tip? Save that leftover bubble wrap—it’s a great alternative to a window insulation kit to seal drafty windows.*

  1. Cut the bubble wrap to size.
  2. Mist the glass with water.
  3. Press the bubble side against it. The water’s surface tension will hold it in place all season.

See where you can save even more Uncover hidden opportunities to save with our Energy Analyzer—because when you know where your home uses energy, you can make small changes that really add up. With easy-to-read insights and tailored tips, you can turn everyday habits into meaningful savings all year long. Need a little extra help this winter? Visit our Seasonal Savings page for support and ideas.

Learn more simple ways to save at SaveWithPPL.com 

Cold weather season has arrived. Here’s how you can stay ready.

Cold weather season has arrived. Here’s how you can stay ready.

Dec 5, 2025 | Energy Efficiency, Safety and Security

The cold weather season is here. Colder temperatures can cause higher demand for electricity. We work year-round to maintain and improve our infrastructure, and we will be ready to serve our customers regardless of the conditions.  

We always encourage our customers to be ready for any severe weather, especially during cold temperatures. If you haven’t prepared for these next few months, the best time to prepare is now. 

Here are some ways you can stay safe and, when appropriate, save energy. 

Safety first 

We encourage customers to sign up for alerts at pplelectric.com/alerts. You can customize these alerts based on your preferences. If an outage occurs, you can get alerts and updates at pplelectric.com/outage. We also encourage signing up for local emergency alerts and staying tuned to weather forecasts throughout the season. 

  • Prepare an emergency kit: Your kit should include non-perishable food, water, medication, first-aid supplies and any pet supplies you may need. Be sure to include batteries and battery-operated flashlights. Store your kit in one location, preferably in an airtight container.  
  • Space heaters: Use space heaters sparingly, and only when needed. Do not plug into extension cords or power strips. Leave plenty of space between your heater and any nearby objects and keep them on a level surface away from flammable objects and walking paths. Don’t leave unattended or use while sleeping. 
  • Electric blankets and heating pads: Make sure to inspect these devices before each use to ensure there is no damage. Do not place other objects or blankets on top of electric blankets while in use. Do not tuck an electric blanket into the mattress and never leave these devices unattended or use them while you are sleeping. 
  • Generators: If you must use a generator, read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for operation and pay attention to any warnings. This includes making sure you use the proper fuel for the generator and only add fuel when the generator is cool. Make sure to inspect the generator before each use to ensure it’s in good, working order. Your generator should never be used in an enclosed area or placed inside a home or business. Keep away from windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to sneak inside and make sure your home has working battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. 

In the event of an outage: 

  • Avoid using candles for lighting because they can start fires. Use flashlights instead. 
  • Avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer as much as possible. 
  • Do not use gas ovens or ranges to heat your home.  
  • Unplug sensitive home electronics. Turn off ovens and space heaters that may have been on when the outage occurred. 
  • In the event of an emergency during an outage, call 911. 

Energy-saving tips 

Even during extreme cold, you can still save energy and money with these tips: 

  • Cover drafty windows: Roll up a towel or blanket for the bottom of drafty exterior doors. If possible, add caulking or weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows. 
  • Let warm air flow: Make sure that rugs, drapes and furniture are not blocking airflow to and from heating registers, radiators or baseboard heaters. Rooms will have better circulation, and it will allow your system to work as intended, using less energy. 
  • Bundle up: Use extra blankets or wear extra clothes. You can save up to 1% in heating costs for every degree you dial back your thermostat, according to the Department of Energy. 
  • Mind your fireplace: Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Having the damper open is like having a window in your home wide open, as it allows warm air to escape through the chimney. 
  • Use nature’s heater: Allowing the sun to shine in through your windows during the day can keep your home warmer. When the sun goes down, be sure to close the drapes to reduce heat loss through windows. 
Local students showcase sustainability with poster contest

Local students showcase sustainability with poster contest

Apr 17, 2025 | Community Involvement, Energy Efficiency

Over 500 students participated in the annual Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest and 27 participated in the Think! Energy Innovation Challenge, presented by PPL Electric Utilities. Students designed posters and other creative projects to illustrate practical ideas for energy efficiency and sustainability.

Contest submissions came from students whose classes participated in energy efficiency presentations and hands-on activities. Topics and bright ideas from this year’s poster entries included recycling, efficient lighting, using solar power, turning off appliances when not in use and more.

Budding artists from kindergarten through 8th grade took part in the Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest. Along with highlighting environmental awareness, the artwork also earned accolades for several participants. Grand prize winners received a $100 gift card, plus a $100 grant for the teacher and a pizza or ice cream party for the class. Honorable mentions received a $25 gift card and a pizza or ice cream party.

The Think! Energy Innovation Challenge encouraged 9th through 12th grade students to create compelling video and artwork showcasing their ideas for water and energy efficiency. Teams of up to four students submitted their work, with the grand prize and honorable mention recipients each receiving wireless headphones.

Teachers emphasized the importance of sustainability education following this year’s event.

“Thank you to PPL Electric Utilities for offering this opportunity to my students,” said Ms. Nikki Giannaras from Hanover Elementary School. “They were very excited about the contest. A big congratulations to my student, Evy, on winning the Grand Prize!”

“The energy program was perfect to jump-start our class lessons on conservation and energy,” said Ms. Justine Taylor from Conestoga Christian School. “My students were excited to participate in the poster contest and were blessed to be awarded with a party when one of my students won an honorable mention. Thank you, PPL Electric Utilities, for all you do for our community!”

“I am beyond excited to share that one of my students, Cayden, was selected for an honorable mention in the PPL Electric Utilities contest!” said Ms. Nicole Szarka from Willow Lane Elementary School. “We had such an amazing time during the presentation, where my students and I learned so much about the energy industry, sustainability and how we can all make a difference. The hands-on experience and engaging activities during the visit truly inspired my students… It’s moments like these that remind me how much potential each of my students has to achieve great things.”

PPL Electric Utilities is proud to host the Bright Ideas Energy Efficiency Student Poster Contest and Innovation Challenge. Find the full list of winners below and enjoy their artwork here.

Looking for ways to find energy savings at home? Explore our getting started guide.

A photo of excited students during their pizza party

Poster contest pizza party at Drums Elementary School.

An honorable mention winner from Blue Mountain.

Poster contest honorable mention (Jacob) from Blue Mountain Elementary School.

A photo of the Innovation Challenge winners from Lancaster Catholic.

Innovation Challenge grand prize winners (Solenne and Serafima) from Lancaster Catholic High School.

A photo of the honorable mention winners from Donegal High School.

Innovation Challenge honorable mentions (Logan, Elani and Shelby) from Donegal High School.

Grades K – 2nd

Grand Prize: Liam (Ms. Melissa McGee; Drums Elementary School)

Honorable Mentions: Cayden (Ms. Nicole Szarka; Willow Lane Elementary School), Samantha (Mc. Jaclyn Tumolo; Lincoln Elementary School)

 

Grades 3rd – 5th

Grand Prize: Evelyn (Ms. Nikki Giannaras; Hanover Elementary School)

Honorable Mention: Jacob (Ms. Amanda Deal; Blue Mountain East Elementary School), Lila (Ms. Justine Taylor; Conestoga Christian School)

 

Grades 6th – 8th

Grand Prize: Lyla (Mr. Joshua Abrams; Springhouse Middle School)

 

Grades 9th – 12th (Innovation Challenge)

Grand Prize: Solenne and Serafima (Ms. Anne Bleistine; Lancaster Catholic High School)

Honorable Mention: Aidyn and Mitch (Mr. Mark Nebzydoski; Western Wayne High School), Logan, Elani and Shelby (Mr. Matthew Deller and Mr. Robert Swisher; Donegal High School)