We turned our clocks back weeks ago and Thanksgiving is coming soon. Winter is on the doorstep.
Electric use tends to spike in winter, as it can in summer, and that means some customers who are struggling financially also will struggle to pay their electric bill.
PPL Electric Utilities has several programs to help income-eligible customers pay their bills and maintain uninterrupted service.
Visit www.pplelectric.com/billhelp to get acquainted with our menu of options.
OnTrack is a program for income-eligible customers that offers reduced monthly bill payments and a chance to erase any debt you owe. We work with a network of local agencies to administer this program.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the federal government and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. It provides cash grants to help families with heating bills, and crisis grants to help families that are at risk of losing their power or who are coping with heating emergencies.
You don't have to receive public assistance to qualify and you don't need to have an unpaid heating bill. You can either rent or own your home. Funds are limited, so don't delay.
Programs also are available that can help you save energy and money. Our Winter Relief Assistance Program (WRAP) helps income-eligible customers by providing energy audits. The program also can include the installation of energy-efficient appliances and home weatherization measures. Income guidelines are listed with WRAP program information.
To eliminate seasonal spikes in bills in high-demand seasons like winter and summer, consider enrolling in budget billing to spread your estimated annual electricity expense over 12 months. In other words, you pay roughly the same amount each month and know what to expect ahead of time.
Lastly, I'd ask you to consider donating to Operation HELP, our hardship fund for customers having trouble paying their energy bills. We're proud to say the program is 30 years old this year and has helped more than 83,000 families.
You can elect to contribute monthly as part of your bill, or you can make a one-time contribution. The choice is yours and anything you give will be appreciated.
Donations come from many great people in the cities and towns we serve, as well as our employees, retirees and the company itself. Look for the Operation HELP bill insert with your December bill. Or go to www.pplelectric.com/operationhelp.
The need is real. Will this be your year to help?
(Teri MacBride is regional affairs director for PPL Corp.)