Jul 8, 2026 | Safety and Security
With energy supply prices, summer usage and rates changing, you may see more calls, ads, emails, texts or door-to-door offers about lowering your electric bill.
You have choices when it comes to your electricity supply. Many offers come from licensed suppliers, but others might be a scam. So, it’s important to verify before you switch suppliers, sign a contract or share account information — be sure you understand what you’re being offered and how it could affect your bill.
The best first step is simple: pause, verify who you’re dealing with and read the terms before you decide.
Understand what the offer applies to
Your electric bill includes different types of charges, split between delivery and supply.
- Delivery covers the cost to deliver electricity safely and reliably across our distribution system. This varies based on usage.
- Supply covers the electricity you use, as well as transmission charges. If you do not choose a third-party supplier, we purchase electricity for you and pass on the cost of generation supply without markup or profit. If you do choose a supplier, your supply rate is based on the agreement you make with that supplier.
That distinction matters because supplier offers apply only to the supply portion of your bill, not your entire electric bill.
For more details about the breakdown of charges on your bill, visit our Bill Explainer page.
Know your current rate before you compare
Before reviewing an offer, check your current supply rate. You can find your supplier information and supply rate on your bill or on your online account.
The Price to Compare is the default supply rate you’ll pay if you do not shop for electricity with a third-party supplier. It can be helpful to use the Price to Compare as a reference point when reviewing offers.
You can learn more about shopping at pplelectric.com/shopping.
Questions to ask before you switch
A lower advertised rate may sound good, but the details matter. Before you switch suppliers or agree to a new contract, ask:
- Is the rate fixed or variable?
- Is it an introductory rate?
- How long does the rate last?
- What happens when the introductory period ends?
- Are there any additional charges besides the price per kWh?
- Are there monthly, cancellation or early termination fees?
- Will the contract renew automatically?
- Will I receive written contract terms before I agree?
A clear offer should explain the price, the length of the agreement, fees, renewal terms and what happens when the contract ends.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s official shopping website, PA Power Switch, provides more information about supplier contract terms.
Watch for misleading or high-pressure tactics
Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and:
- Says they represent PPL Electric or are calling “on behalf of PPL” to sell supplier service.
- Says you must switch suppliers to avoid shutoff.
- Pressures you to act immediately.
- Focuses only on a low introductory price without explaining what happens later.
- Offers a gift card or incentive in exchange for account information.
- Asks for personal, financial or account information before you can verify who they are.
- Claims the offer applies to your whole bill.
We do not market or sell supplier services by phone or door to door. If someone claims to represent PPL Electric and you are unsure, stop the conversation and contact us directly.
You can review scam prevention tips on our Scams & Fraud Prevention page and Fraud & Deceptive Marketing page.
Verify before you share information
Scammers can make caller ID look real, create fake websites, send fake payment links or appear in search results through online ads. That’s why it’s important to use official contact information.
If you receive an unexpected call, email, text, ad or in-person visit:
- Do not feel pressured to act right away.
- Go directly to pplelectric.com.
- Call us directly at 1-800-342-5775.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Do not provide banking or payment information.
The Federal Trade Commission also recommends contacting your utility directly if someone threatens immediate shutoff or demands payment. You can read more on the FTC’s utility scam guidance page.
The bottom line
Shopping for electricity supply is your choice. Some offers may be legitimate and can help you save, but it’s important to understand the details before you switch, sign or share information.
Before you switch: pause, verify and understand the offer.
For more information, visit PPL Electric’s Rates and Shopping page, Bill Explainer page or Scams & Fraud Prevention page.
Feb 25, 2026 | Safety and Security
PPL Electric Utilities is joining this effort by sharing simple ways customers can avoid scams, report suspicious activity and protect their information.
A few basic steps can make a big difference.
What PPL Electric will never do
Scammers often rely on urgency and confusion. They may claim your power will be shut off within minutes unless you pay right away.
Remember:
- We will never demand immediate payment over the phone.
- We will never ask for payment using gift cards, prepaid cards or cryptocurrency.
- We will never show up at your door to demand cash.
- We will never ask for personal financial information through an unexpected call, text or email.
If something doesn’t feel right, slow down and verify.
Common utility scam tactics
Phone scams
Scammers may call and pretend to be from PPL Electric. They often:
- Claim your account is past due
- Threaten immediate shutoff
- Demand payment through apps or gift cards
Fake websites
Some scammers create lookalike websites that appear in search results. These sites are designed to collect your personal or payment information.
Text and email scams
You may receive a message saying your bill is overdue, with a link to a fake payment page.
Avoid, report and recover from scams
During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission encourages consumers to focus on three key steps: avoid, report and recover.
Avoid scams
- Take your time before responding to unexpected calls, texts or emails.
- Be cautious of messages that create urgency or demand unusual payment methods.
- Go directly to pplelectric.com to check your account instead of clicking links.
Report scams
If you receive a suspicious message:
- Hang up or delete it.
- Contact us directly to verify your account.
- Report scam attempts to your local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.
Recover from scams
If you think you’ve shared information or made a payment to a scammer:
- Contact your bank or payment provider right away.
- Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Reach out to us so we can help you confirm your account status.
How to protect yourself
Keep these steps in mind:
Stop. Scammers want you to act fast. Take a moment to think.
Verify. If you’re unsure about a message, go directly to pplelectric.com or call 1-800-342-5775.
Protect your information. Never share personal or financial details with unexpected callers or through suspicious links.
Stay informed all year
Scam tactics change, but the warning signs are often the same: urgency, pressure and unusual payment requests.
Visit our Scam and Fraud Prevention page to learn more about how to recognize and avoid scams.
pplelectric.com/scams
Mar 4, 2025 | Safety and Security
This National Consumer Protection Week, we want to help you stay informed and protect yourself from common scams targeting utility customers.
Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive, often through threatening phone calls, fake websites, fraudulent emails, and even by impersonating our employees. Remember, we’ll never demand immediate payment or ask for sensitive information over the phone or in person.
Common scams and how to protect yourself
We want to help you keep your information safe and stop scammers in their tracks. Being vigilant, staying informed and guarding your personal information are your best defenses.
📱 Phone scams
Threats of disconnection
- What happens: Scammers posing as utility representatives may call and threaten immediate service disconnection if you don’t make an immediate payment, often demanding payment via prepaid debit card.
- How to protect yourself: We will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up and go directly to pplelectric.com or call us at 1-800-342-5775 to check your account status. Never provide personal information to unexpected callers.
Spoofed caller ID
- What happens: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear as though we’re calling you. They may impersonate customer service and demand payment or ask for your personal information.
- How to protect yourself: Hang up and call us directly at 1-800-342-5775. Never rely solely on the number displayed on caller ID.
📧Email and text (SMS) scams
Phishing and fake links
- What happens: Scammers may send emails or texts claiming your bill is past due, with links leading to fake payment pages designed to steal your personal data.
- How to protect yourself: Never click links or download attachments from unexpected emails or texts. Always go directly to pplelectric.com to access your account securely.
👷 In-person scams
Impersonators at your door
- What happens: Scammers may pose as PPL Electric employees, claiming they need access to your meter or demanding immediate payment.
- How to protect yourself: Always ask for a photo ID. PPL Electric employees will have an official ID badge and will never demand payment in person. For added security, contact us at 1-800-342-5775 to confirm an employee’s identity.
⚠️ Know the signs of scams
- Slow down: Take your time. Scammers pressure you to act fast.
- Verify: Scammers call from what may look like our phone number or come to your door with what appears to be an employee badge. Call 1-800-342-5775 to verify it’s really us.
- Stop: We never demand immediate payment, and we do not accept cryptocurrency, prepaid cards or third-party payment apps.
- Look out for suspicious emails: Watch for typos, unrecognized email addresses and strange links.
- Be careful with links: Fake websites can appear in search results. Always access pplelectric.com directly rather than through a search engine, ad or third-party link.
If you suspect a scam
- Stop and think: Scammers use urgency to push you into a quick decision. Take a moment to assess the situation.
- Contact authorities: Report the incident to your local police department or the FTC.
- Report to us: Call 1-800-342-5775 to report the scam attempt.
- Spread the word: Sharing your experience may help protect others in your community.
Stay vigilant and stay informed
We’re committed to protecting our customers and work closely with law enforcement to address scam threats. Visit pplelectric.com/scams for more information, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for the latest scam alerts and updates.
- Remember, we will never: Demand immediate payment through phone, email, or in person.
- Request personal financial information, such as credit/debit card or checking account numbers.
- Require payment using prepaid cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers via third-party payment apps.
- Threaten to shut off your service unless immediate payment is made.
More information please visit pplelectric.com/scams
