Residential Connect

You depend on us. We deliver.

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YOU DEPEND ON US. WE DELIVER.

SEPTEMBER 2020

Holding hands

COVER STORY

We're here for you. A message from PPL

Lori Mueller

Delivering safe, reliable power to our customers is our top priority.

But our commitment to customers goes far beyond keeping your lights on.

As 2020 dawned, no one could have imagined the difficulties we now face because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crisis is far from over. Financial challenges continue to grow for many as more jobs are lost and lives are upended.

We want you to know that we've expanded our programs and payment plans for those of you who need help during these times.

Regardless of your income or circumstances, we can help reduce your burden and keep you from falling too far behind.

We added funds to our Operation HELP assistance program, and we've expanded eligibility for other programs that offer reduced payments and debt forgiveness. We also can help by setting you up with a payment arrangement, where you can pay down your balance over time.

Maybe something as simple as moving your bill due date to better align with your finances, or getting onto a budget billing plan could help.

Many people have been spending more time at home. That, plus the fact that we've had quite a hot and humid summer, means that electric bills are higher than usual.

Getting help with your electric bill means peace of mind in uncertain times. Visit pplelectric.com/billhelp today or call 1-800-342-5775 to learn more.

Let us know how we can help!

Warm regards,
Lori Mueller
Vice President,
Customer Services, and
your PPL Customer Service team

Ask Meg

Question
I keep getting robocalls from people saying they're PPL and asking me to switch my electricity supplier. Are these calls legitimate?

Answer
No, these are scam calls, and they're happening more and more. Remember that PPL delivers your electricity, but we don't generate it. In Pennsylvania, you can choose your electricity supplier. Some of these suppliers use creative, yet deceitful, tactics to get you to switch to them. Then, they may charge more than you're paying currently. PPL never markets or sells supplier services. Never provide your personal information over the phone when someone calls you, even if the number on your caller ID looks like PPL's.

Meg in a PPL Electric Utilities hat and jacket

Save energy and money. Visit savewithppl.com.

Staying safe so we can keep your lights on

We're redesigning pplelectric.com. Soon, we'll launch a mobile-first digital experience that will make it easier than ever for you to:

  • Get help paying your bill
  • Go paperless
  • Manage your PPL account
  • Shop for electricity
  • Take control of your energy use
  • Report an outage
  • Register your online account
  • Sign up for alerts

Want real-time updates on the new site? Follow us on social media.

Transformer in yard

Safety first around electric transformers

Do you have one of these green boxes near your home?
It's called a transformer, and it contains the electrical equipment that helps us deliver safe, reliable power.

Here are three transformer tips so you can help us keep the lights on – and keep your family and neighbors safe.

  • When you're doing yardwork or using lawnmowers, steer clear of transformers. Yard equipment can do more damage than you think.
  • Stay a safe distance away from transformers, and don't let the neighborhood kids use them as chairs or jungle gyms.
  • If you notice that a transformer is damaged, give us a call at 1-800-342-5775 so we can take a look.

Check out pplelectric.com/safety or follow us on social media for more safety tips.

Transformer in yard

Storm season. The value of reliability

Looks like 2020 is at it again. Tropical Storm Isaias packed a wallop last month, and weather scientists are predicting a more active than normal hurricane season this year. Even though we're working a bit differently these days, we're ready for any storms that may arise.

Grid investments help us weather storms

It's hurricane season, but it's also prime time for thunderstorms, high winds and lightning.

The investments we've made in our smart power grid have reduced the impact of all types of storms. From 2011 to 2019, we reduced the annual number of customer interruptions by 30 percent. Since 2010, we've also reduced the overall frequency of these interruptions by nearly a third.

We're continually replacing aging equipment with stronger, more storm-resistant poles and wires, performing comprehensive tree trimming, improving lightning protection, expanding use of animal guards, and more.

Your role in preparedness

September is national preparedness month, but it's always a good idea to have a plan in case bad weather – or other disasters – strike.

There's a lot to consider when putting your plan together, like evacuation routes, shelter plans, emergency kits, pets, dietary needs, and more. The important thing is to get started on your plan so it's in place when you need it.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has great resources to get you started. Visit ready.gov/plan to learn more.

Children's Book: Back to Safety

Back to school safety

School is back in session. Whether your school is meeting in-person, online or both, we're here to help make this a safe school year for students.

We offer a free illustrated children's book that teaches students about electrical safety. It's available to any 4th-grade teacher in PPL's service territory.

To order books for your class, just visit pplelectric.com/kidsbook. Stay safe!