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. 
Deck the halls (safely): 8 tips for holiday decorating

Deck the halls (safely): 8 tips for holiday decorating

Dec 5, 2025 | Safety and Security

The holidays are a time for friends, family and appreciating all we have to be thankful for. 

And nothing shows you care more than keeping those you love most safe throughout the season, right? 

It can be a busy time of year, but don’t forget to make safety — especially electrical safety — a top priority when decorating your home. Here are 8 tips to keep your season merry, bright and safe.  

  • Check the halls before you deck the halls. Throw out any damaged light strands and replace them with LED bulbs. Check wall sockets, wires and connections to make sure they’re in good, working order. If you find a problem, contact a professional, certified electrician. 
  • Place decorations and trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators and candles. If using candles, blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep. 
  • Inspect your cords to make sure they’re marked for proper use. Use plastic or insulated clips to secure your cords. Avoid using nails, screws or tacks. Avoid running extension cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. 
  • If you have a natural tree, water it frequently to keep it fresh. The heat from incandescent bulbs can ignite a dry tree. If you have incandescent bulbs, consider switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs. 
  • Be mindful of your electrical load. While some of us may enjoy big, beautiful and bright displays, overloading can cause fires. Follow manufacturer guidelines for how many sets of lights can be safely connected to your outlets and extension cords. 
  • When decorating outdoors, always carry ladders parallel to the ground and look up for power lines before setting up your ladder. 
  • Always hang your decorations during daylight hours.  
  • At night, make sure to turn your holiday lights and decorations off before leaving home and going to bed. 

Don’t let something preventable steal your holiday cheer. Whether you are just getting ready to decorate — or if you already have — keep these tips in mind to stay safe and merry this season. 

5 for ‘25: How we helped in our communities in 2025

5 for ‘25: How we helped in our communities in 2025

Nov 25, 2025 | Community Involvement

For more than a century, our dedicated team has stood by a simple belief: supporting our communities is both our responsibility and our privilege. We take pride in rolling up our sleeves and working together to empower our neighbors and create a brighter tomorrow. 

As we approach the end of 2025, here are 5 of our favorite events from this past year: 

 

With the holiday season in full swing, our work is not done; our employees will be busy in our communities and delivering safe, reliable power to light up the moments that matter most to your families.  

For more about our community involvement, visit pplelectric.com/community.  

 

Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Spirit

Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Spirit

Nov 18, 2025 | Safety and Security

The holidays should be enjoyable. But scammers see this season as a chance to take your money and personal information.

Utility Scam Awareness Day is Nov. 19. We’re joining Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) to help you spot the warning signs and protect yourself. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans lost$12.5 billion to impostor scams in 2024, a 25% increase over the prior year.

As your schedule gets busier, scammers get bolder. They want you to be distracted. Here’s how they try to fool you, and how you can stay safe.

How scammers try to trick you

Scammers rely on pressure, fear and fake information. These are the most common tactics we see.

1. The threatening phone call

What they do:
Someone pretends to be from PPL Electric and claims your bill is past due. They demand immediate payment and push you to use a prepaid card, gift card, CashApp, Venmo, Zelle or cryptocurrency.
Red flag:
We never demand payment right away or ask you to pay through apps or gift cards. If you’re at risk of shutoff, we contact you through official channels and offer payment options.
What to do:
Hang up. Sign in at pplelectric.com to check your real account status or call 1-800-342-5775.

2. The fake caller ID

What they do:
They “spoof” our number so your caller ID looks legitimate.
Red flag:
Anything urgent, pushy or demanding personal information should make you pause, even if the number looks right.
What to do:
Hang up and call 1-800-342-5775 yourself.

3. Phishing emails and texts

What they do:
You get a message saying your bill is overdue, or your account needs an update. There’s a link that leads to a fake site.
Red flag:
Typos, unusual sender addresses, strange links or generic greetings.
What to do:
Don’t click. Go to pplelectric.com by typing it directly into your browser.

4. The impersonator at your door

What they do:
Someone shows up pretending to be a PPL Electric employee. They might say they need inside access, inspect equipment or demand payment.
Red flag:
Our employees carry official photo ID badges. We don’t ask for payments in person, and we don’t sell electricity door-to-door.
What to do:
Ask for ID. If something feels wrong, don’t engage. Call 1-800-342-5775.

Why scammers target the holidays

Scammers know that during the holidays:

  • You’re juggling travel, shopping and family plans.
  • Unexpected charges may not stand out.
  • You’re checking accounts less often.
  • You’re in a generous mindset.

That combination makes it easier for them to slip through the cracks.

Your scam-safe checklist

Use these steps to protect yourself and others:
✔ Slow down. Pressure to act fast is the biggest warning sign.
✔ Verify. Hang up and call us directly at 1-800-342-5775.
✔ Share what you learn. Talk with older relatives, neighbors, and friends. They’re often targeted.

If You Think a Scammer Reached You

Take action right away:

  • Stop the contact — hang up, delete the message, or close the door
  • Tell us at 1-800-342-5775
  • Report it to your local police
  • File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • Warn friends and family

We’re Here to Help

We work closely with law enforcement and UUAS year-round to protect our customers. This Utility Scam Awareness Day, take a moment to learn the signs and share them with someone who may need the reminder.

For more resources, visit pplelectric.com/scams.

Follow us for updates:

Remember: We will never demand immediate payment or ask you to use gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency.
When in doubt, check your account at pplelectric.com or call 1-800-342-5775.

Hero in a hard hat: lineworker helps rescue family from house fire

Hero in a hard hat: lineworker helps rescue family from house fire

Nov 4, 2025 | Community Involvement, Safety and Security

Lineworker Brian Chuzas is proof that PPL Electric Utilities’ commitment to safety — and keeping others safe — extends far beyond the company’s service centers and work sites.

While finishing up a recent repair job with his crew in Pittston Township, Luzerne County, Brian saw thick smoke in the sky. Something didn’t feel right, so he decided to check it out.

It’s a good thing he did.

When Brian got closer, he saw a house on fire. He quickly called 911 and stayed on the phone to give updates. At the house, another person was trying to get inside, yelling for anyone who might be trapped.

Brian went up to the door, kicked it in and found a three-year-old girl crying on the other side.

“I put my hand out and said, ‘let’s get out of here,'” Chuzas said.

He walked the girl outside and brought her to the other man assisting. But the girl started yelling for her parents, sending Brian back into the burning house to find them.

He searched the first floor, then ran upstairs to check the bedrooms and bathroom before heading back downstairs to look in the kitchen.

“As I got to the kitchen, I could see some stairs to the basement and there was an inferno,” Chuzas said. “Then I heard something blow up in the kitchen and reality kicked in. I could feel heat from the fire. That’s when the 911 dispatcher said I needed to get out of the house. I started making my way out of the house and yelling for the parents.”

As Brian left the house, he saw what he believed were the parents and shouted for them to escape. By then, firefighters had arrived and were ready to help.

PPL Electric crews always identify their location with an address in their pre-job discussions, so Brian was readily able to provide an accurate location to the 911 dispatcher.

“I’m just thankful that I was able to help and that everyone got out OK,” Chuzas said.