As the holiday season takes hold, a polar vortex — a large area of low pressure and cold air — is also settling in across our territory. This kicks off the cold weather season, with the official start of winter quickly approaching.
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.
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.
Poster contest pizza party at Drums Elementary School.
Poster contest honorable mention (Jacob) from Blue Mountain Elementary School.
Innovation Challenge grand prize winners (Solenne and Serafima) from Lancaster Catholic 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)
With a few simple projects, you can boost your home’s energy efficiency, cut down on your utility bills and make a positive impact on the planet.
From sealing drafty windows to installing a smart thermostat, our easy-to-follow videos and tips will have you tackling home upgrades like a pro. Plus, you’ll save money that you can spend on the things that matter most—like family, friends and fun.
And don’t forget to visit our Online Marketplace for great deals on all the supplies you’ll need to get started.
Seal in comfort and save like a pro
Keep the winter drafts outside where they belong. A window insulation kit is the perfect solution to help keep your home warm and lower your energy bill. –
Step 1 – Clean the window to prepare for installation. –
Step 2 – Apply the double-stick tape around the edges. –
Step 3 – Attach the film to one side, pulling it tight while leaving 4–6 inches of extra material. –
Step 4 – Use a hair dryer to shrink the film, creating a snug fit. It’s that simple!
Want some pro advice?
Make sure to clean your windows all the way to the edges with window cleaner. The tape will stick better, providing a tighter seal. Plus, you’ll have a nicer view!
Keep the air outside from coming inside
Is your window caulking starting to peel and crack? Replacing it not only keeps the cold air out, but also keeps moisture and bugs from getting in. –
Step 1 – Tools: You’ll need two tubes of caulk, a tube gun, a utility knife, a glove, sandpaper and a towel. –
Step 2 – Prep: Wipe down the window surface, remove the old caulk with your knife and sand off any leftover material. –
Step 3 – Application: Cut the tip off the caulk tube, leaving a small hole. Apply continuous pressure along the window seam and then smooth the bead with your glove.
Here’s a pro tip
Start out by cutting a small tip off the caulk tube. If needed, you can always increase it to the desired size.
Let your thermostat do the work
Ready to install your new smart thermostat? Most brands share the same basic setup, but you may want to check your model’s instructions or find a contractor. –
Step 1 – Turn off the power at the circuit breaker, and if in doubt, turn off all the power. If you feel uncomfortable working with electricity, hire a contractor to install your thermostat. –
Step 2 – Take the faceplate off and snap a photo of the wires to help you reconnect them later. –
Step 3 – Remove the old baseplate and install the new one. Use a level to make sure it’s even. –
Step 4 – Reference the instructions from the manufacturer and attach the wires by matching corresponding colors or labels. –
Step 5 – Attach the smart thermostat, then flip breakers back on to make sure the thermostat has power. –
Step 6 – Connect your smart thermostat to your Wi-Fi network and set the temperature by following the manufacturer instructions for your model.
Save more with pro-level DIY energy tips
Tip #1
LED lightbulbs can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent ones. But they’re not all the same, so check the label. –
Look for Brightness. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the bulb. Brightness used to be measured in watts, but it’s now measured in lumens. –
Check the Estimated Yearly Energy Cost, allowing you to compare savings between different bulbs. –
Look under Life to see how long the bulb might last before it needs to be replaced. –
Check Light Appearance. A low number means the light is warm, while a higher number means it is cooler. –
Finally, check Energy Used to find out how many watts the bulb uses.
Tip #2
Electronics that draw power even when shut off can add up to about $200 in annual energy costs for the average home. Save energy and money with an advanced power strip—all you do is plug it in!
Use a power strip for electronics such as your computer, tablet, gaming system and cellphone. –
Plug in your TV, cable box, DVD player and sound system to a power strip.
We all want to find ways to save money and increase our home’s comfort.With a home energy audit, your selected contractor will provide a detailed reportlisting all the energy-saving upgrades that canhelp make your home more energy efficient.Let us help you check all the boxes when it comes to saving energy.
Want to see for yourself what happens during a home energy audit? Watch our video below to see how easy it is to start saving.
Why is a home energy audit important?
Energy savings: All of our recommended contractors are BPI-certified. They identify areas of energy waste so you can make improvements that will help lower your electric bill over time.
Improved comfort: Drafts and temperature variations are common factors that reduce comfort in your home. Uncovering air leaks and insulation issues during your audit can help.
Environmental impact: Saving energy reduces your carbon footprint and helps conserve resources.
Increased property value: An energy-efficient home increases its resale value by offering buyers potential savings on energy bills. It also enhances comfort levels, ultimately making your home more desirable, which could raise its selling price.
Access to incentives:If you have electric heat and central A/C, you will receive a $350 rebate on the cost of the home audit. If you have electric heat OR central A/C, you will receive $200 off. Your contractor will make you aware of our rebates and available tax credits and then confirm final pricing. If you’re eligible for a rebate, they will automatically deduct it from the cost of your audit. It’s that simple!
What can I expect during my audit?
During your home energy audit, a certified contractor will evaluate your home from top to bottom and identify areas for improvement, checking your equipment, appliances, windows and doors. They’ll perform a blower door test that exaggerates the pressure in your home to help identify air leaks and may use an infrared camera to look for where air could be escaping. The whole audit usually takes about 2–3 hours to complete, depending on the size of your home.
After the inspection, your contractor will prepare a report with ideas on how you can save energy and money. It may also include the costs and potential savings of any upgrades you make. And as a bonus, you’ll receive energy-saving products like LED bulbs, which can shine a light on those sneaky places to save!
Did you know?
The average home leaks about the same amount of air as a 2-foot-square hole. That’s like leaving a window wide open 24 hours a day!
Still have questions?
Watch our video to hear a contractor answer some of the most common questions. You can also skip ahead to find the one you’re looking for or check out the FAQ section below.
FAQ
Q: Why do some homeowners want a home energy audit?
A: Reasons range from a second story that is too hot to an energy bill that is too high.
Q: How do I know if a home energy audit is right for me?
A: Conducting an in-home audit is the best way to find out what opportunities your home has to save energy and money.
Q: What does the home energy audit process look like?
A: After meeting with you about your concerns, your contractor will walk through the home from top to bottom and look for any areas where air may be escaping.
Q: Why do you use a thermal camera during the audit?
A: The thermal camera is a great tool to help the contractor see the temperature differences in your home.
Q: What is a blower door test used for?
A: The blower door test helps the contractor focus on areas of your home that are leaking air and wasting energy.
Q: What are some easy fixes to make after the audit?
A: Adding more insulation is one of the simplest ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Q: Will I get a report of all the audit’s findings?
A: Yes! A detailed report will be emailed to you with all of the contractor’s findings and recommendations for energy efficiency improvements.
Ready to uncover energy savings in your home? Start today by finding a contractor in your area at pplelectric.com/homeaudit.
Not interested in an audit because you rent your home? Get tips on how you can still lower your energy bills at SaveWithPPL.com.
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.
