Don't let frigid temperatures strain your budget!

Featured Blog post by Carol Obando-Derstine, regional affairs director, PPL Electric Utilities

Kids playing in the snow, sipping hot cocoa under the glow of twinkling lights, and cuddling up by a fire, December and the holidays can be a happy and magical time.
 
But for some people this time of year can bring on significant worries, as December also means it’s getting cold, sometimes very cold.  At PPL, we realize that frigid temperatures can put a strain on some customer’s budgets and we want you to know about the programs that can help. 
 
We also encourage you to help spread the word to friends, family or neighbors who may be in need this season.
 
The first program is called LIHEAP, which stands for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.  LIHEAP is federally funded and helps people pay their heating bills – whether electric, gas or oil – during the winter months. 
 
You don’t need an overdue bill or to be on public assistance to qualify if you’re within the program’s income guidelines.  LIHEAP’s application period opened in November and ends at the beginning of April, or when the funds expire, so we encourage you to apply soon by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 or visiting your county’s assistance office.
 
To help make your home more comfortable and lower that number on your bill every month, PPL offers the Winter Relief Assistance Program, or WRAP.   
 
Under this program, an energy educator will visit your home and teach you how to use electricity more efficiently, and conduct an energy survey.  Based on the survey results, we’ll install free energy-efficient appliances, light bulbs and other items, helping you save into the future.  Both homeowners and renters are eligible with landowner permission.  Call visit www.pplelectric.com/WRAP or call 1-800-DIAL-PPL to see if you qualify or to apply; it’s already helped more than 100,000 families.
 
Additionally, if you find yourself falling behind on your bills this winter, please call us.  You may be eligible for our On-Track program.  Administered by non-profit community agencies, On-Track offers you a lower monthly bill amount and some debt forgiveness along the way. 
 
Another program is Operation HELP, which offers cash grants for heating bills.  Operation HELP is funded by donations from PPL employees, retirees, generous customers and the company.
 
From December 11- 26, we encourage you to help spread some holiday cheer, and the word about Operation HELP, (link to the Stories blog post about the initiative), by sharing a picture of something or someone that brightens up your holidays on social media with the #PPLLightUpTheHolidays.  For every photo posted on Twitter, Instagram or our Facebook page, PPL Electric will donate an extra $10 to the fund, up to a total of $2,500.
 
And, please contact us if you believe any of these programs would be able to help you.  Everyone deserves to have a happy, warm and bright holiday season.