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:
Spring is upon us. And what better way to show our love of the environment than planting a tree? There’s just something about watching a tree adapt to all four seasons and grow right before our eyes. But before we get caught up in the beauty of nature, we must do a bit of research and take safety precautions before we pull out the shovels and start digging.
Here are a few tips for safe and successful tree prep and planting:
Keep tree roots in a cool place until ready to plant. Add water to moisten the roots, as needed.
Location, location, location – plan the spacing and location of your tree. And make sure it’s far away from any PPL power lines. If a tree is planted near power lines, eventually it may need to be trimmed or removed to keep your power reliable and the grid safe.
Call 811 before you dig! Know what’s below. It’s important to call 811 at least 3 business days before your project to avoid digging into any underground utility lines.
Consider using mulch (shredded bark or wood chips), around your tree to prevent damage to its roots.
For more information and a comprehensive guide to selecting, planting and caring for a new tree, visit www.arborday.org
Few environmental scenes compare to the sight of majestic bald eagles flying overhead.
Just ask residents living in the Rush Township, Schuylkill County, area where a family of eagles was spotted nesting in 2020.
Those birds – and others like them – are getting special treatment thanks to some new protections we added to distribution lines near the nest.
An environmental initiative was put into motion when someone from the area spotted the eagles in the nest and notified a state lawmaker, who contacted us. That led to several discussions and collaboration to come up with a plan that needed to be executed during a time outside the birds’ nesting period.
One of our line crews put the finishing touches on this project during a frigid December morning.
The crew replaced wooden arms with fiberglass arms, switched out insulators, and added protective wire guarding on power lines near the large nest. All of those upgrades were put in place to help reduce the risk of the birds coming into contact with the power lines.
“PPL developing a way to work with the eagles rather than simply trying to make them ‘go away’ shows their commitment to bald eagles and wildlife in general,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife biologist Patti Barber. “This is an example of how people and wildlife coexist successfully and should be the goal for us all.”
The answer used to be landfills. But we’ve found a use for the poles that will reduce our impact on the environment by keeping tons of wooden waste out of landfills every year.
We work with a vendor that brings old poles to an industrial-waste-to-energy facility, where they are used as fuel in an environmentally responsible way to produce energy. Our wood recycling program and this agreement with our vendor reduce our cost to dispose of the poles as well. It’s a win for the environment and a win for us.
In 2019 alone, we recycled more than 7,000 tons of wood through this program. That’s just one part of our ongoing efforts to operate efficiently and provide service that is safe, reliable and a good value.
As we install new poles, we’re pleased to have found a better solution for the old ones.
While you’re spending most of your spare time outdoors enjoying the summer sun, you could be wasting electricity inside the house. Routine cleaning does more than leave your home looking great. It can also help you save money every month.
Whether you’re dusting or disinfecting, here are some ways to reduce your energy use, and save a few bucks:
Redirect ceiling fans. Change the direction of your ceiling fans according to the season. In the summer, they should rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air downward. That will help keep your rooms cooler and give your air conditioning a break.
Clean your oven. A clean oven can reach temperature faster and cook more efficiently. Self-cleaning ovens make the process easier, and they’re more energy efficient because they have better insulation. Only run the cleaning cycle on your self-cleaning oven once a month, but do it immediately after you use the oven. You’ll use less energy because the oven will already be hot.
Dust your electronics. Televisions, smart speakers, DVD players, video game consoles, and internet routers are just a few surfaces where dust loves to settle. Keeping these areas dust-free helps motors run better, extending their shelf life and performance.
Vacuum refrigerator coils. When’s the last time you looked behind your refrigerator? If it’s been a while, you may want to roll it out. Dust tends to build up on the coils, forcing your refrigerator to work harder to do its job. So, go ahead, give it a quick vacuum or wipe-down.
Tune up your HVAC system. Heating and cooling can add up to 50% of your in-home energy use. Routine HVAC maintenance may require a small out-of-pocket expense, but the return on investment is incomparable. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently throughout the year.
PPL’s Energy Efficiency Programs can offer simple tips and tools to reduce your electricity use inside and outside your home. Check out more ways to save.
