JUNE 2020

Need some help paying your electric bill?
We have programs that can offer some relief

These are extraordinary times, and many of us are feeling financial strains we didn't anticipate only a few short months ago.

If you're falling behind, or if you need some extra help paying your electric bill, we may have a payment assistance program that can get you the support you need.

• You may be eligible for OnTrack, PPL's signature program that can help reduce your monthly payment. If you have a past-due balance, OnTrack can help forgive some or all of that debt.
• Operation Help provides grants to help you pay your bill. It's that simple. And, thanks to a $500,000 donation from the PPL Foundation, more customers than ever can benefit from Operation Help.
• The hottest months of the year are right in front of us. July and August typically bring higher electric bills, particularly if you're spending more time at home with air conditioners or fans running more than usual. Setting up a budget billing plan could help smooth out your payments so you don't fall behind.
  
  With budget billing, we'll average your electric use out over the entire year so your monthly payment is more predictable. Every three months, we'll reset your payment based on your use so you know what to expect.
• If none of these programs are right for you, you can set up a unique payment arrangement. We'll work with you to build a payment plan that makes sense for your electric use and your budget.

For complete information on our assistance programs – and to apply using a simple online form – visit pplelectric.com/billhelp.

There are other ways you can save on your bill, like practicing energy efficiency and choosing the right electricity supplier for your budget. This edition of Connect offers other tips and tools you can use to get through this time.

Save energy and money. Visit savewithppl.com.

Shop Smart: Price to Compare decreases as of June 1

As of June 1, the price to compare for electricity supply has decreased. That translates to potential savings. Here are the facts

• PPL delivers your electricity, but we don’t generate and supply it to the market. In Pennsylvania, you can choose the electricity supplier that offers the price and service that is right for you.
• You can shop around for deals on your electricity supply. If you choose not to shop, you’ll receive default service through PPL. We hold energy auctions to purchase power on your behalf at market prices – this is known as the price to compare. It’s updated every June 1 and Dec. 1.
• As of June 1, the price to compare for residential customers is 7.284 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down from the current 7.632 cents per kWh.
• We ran some recent numbers prior to this change. We found that 54 percent of our residential customers who shop for their electricity supply are paying a supply rate higher than PPL’s Price to Compare.

The price to compare is an important reference point. Be sure to check your supply rate regularly and compare for potential savings! Visit pplelectric.com/shopping to learn more.

Suspension of late fees and service terminations

As the world still grapples with COVID-19, we’ve got your back.

In early March, we suspended late payment fees and stopped cutting off service for non-payment.

We want you to know that we’ll provide plenty of notice before our suspension of late fees and service terminations is lifted.

And if you feel like you’re falling behind on your bill, let us know so we can work with you on a payment plan or connect you with an appropriate payment assistance program.

For the latest news, updates and information, visit pplelectric.com/coronavirus.

Stay safe and healthy!

You're spending more time at home. Save energy and money with these tips.

Most of us are spending more time at home these days. That means we’re using our appliances more, keeping cool with fans or air conditioning, and charging our phones, laptops and tablets all day long. And, of course, there are plenty of movies to stream. Lots and lots of movies.

Never fear. There are things you can do to limit your energy use. These tips – courtesy of PPL’s energy efficiency programs, with help from our friends at Energy Star® – will help you save money so you can stay comfortable, safe and entertained at home this summer.

1. Tune up your air conditioner: You want your AC to run as efficiently as possible. Have an HVAC professional check out your system before cranking it up for the summer. And don’t forget to make sure your technician is wearing proper PPE and practicing social distancing!
2. Block out the sun: Bathing in the sun as it beams through your windows can be beautiful, but it also makes your cooling system work overtime. Keep your shades and blinds drawn to keep your home cool for less.
3. Use fans: Fans use less energy than air conditioning and can still keep you cool. Make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise for summer, and turn off fans that are running in empty rooms.
4. Use big appliances at night: Larger appliances – like dishwashers and clothes dryers – can put out a good deal of heat. Wait until it gets dark to run these big appliances to save on cooling costs during the day.
5. Get to grilling: It’s no surprise that ovens are hot. When you use your indoor oven, your air conditioner has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Luckily, there’s nothing tastier than grilled food in the summertime. Fire up your grill – or simply rely more on a toaster oven or microwave – to trim your energy use.

Learn more about PPL’s energy efficiency program – and get more tips to save energy and money – at savewithppl.com.

Have a suggestion for a newsletter? Email us at connect@pplweb.com.