October 2024 Residential Connect

Improved service reliability: Our request to change the Distribution System Improvement Charge

We recently sent you information about our request to change the Distribution System Improvement Charge, also known as DSIC, from the current 5% rate to a maximum of 9%.

We know electric bills can be complex and it’s important for you to understand any change in your rates. Here is some additional information about the DSIC to help explain the proposed increase and how it may impact you, if approved as submitted.

What is the DSIC?

The DSIC rate is included in your delivery charge and allows us to recover the cost of necessary system investments to help maintain and improve our equipment in a more timely manner. DSIC covers improvements such as replacing or repairing older poles and wires.

What is the proposed change?

We submitted a request to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to allow for an increase of the DSIC from 5% to a maximum of 9% to help us provide you with better quality service, safety and reliability.

How will this impact me?

To put our proposal in perspective, if approved, residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month would see an increase of approximately $2.37 at the maximum DSIC rate of 9%.

Also, the DSIC is a portion of your delivery charges and is not related to the Price to Compare, or PPL Electric default rate, which decreased on June 1 and is included in your supply charges.

To learn more about the difference between delivery charges and supply charges,

visit pplelectric.com/bill101.

Why is this important?

So far this year, we’ve faced a record number of severe storms. Because of this, you may have experienced more outages. That’s why this requested increase to the DSIC is so critical. If approved, it will help us to accelerate necessary improvements to our equipment to improve our reliability, resulting in fewer outages.

We know that when you flip the switch you want the lights to go on — and we want that for you. While we strive to keep costs as affordable as possible, this change will support our multi-year effort to improve reliability.

For more information about this request, along with frequently asked questions and answers, visit pplelectric.com/DSIC.

A thriving pollinator habitat

A thriving pollinator habitat — within a transmission line corridor in the Lancaster Conservancy’s Kellys Run Preserve — is alive with blooms. It’s part of a collaborative effort between PPL Electric and the Lancaster Conservancy to expand the preserve’s pollinator park. Read more about it at pplelectric.com/blog

Receive up to $100 when you Flip Your Fridge

Out with the old, in with the efficient. If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, we’re here to help with rebates for recycling your old fridge and for purchasing a new ENERGY STAR® certified model. Flip Your Fridge today and receive up to $100 in rebates and discounts. Schedule your recycling pickup now at pplelectric.com/pickup.

Which program is right for you?

We have a variety of payment assistance programs available for all customers. It’s easy to apply for help online or over the phone with one of our representatives.

At pplelectric.com/BillHelp, you’ll find a list of programs for customers, regardless of income, including payment arrangements, which help you pay off a past-due balance over time, and budget billing, which helps even out the seasonal swings in your monthly bill, making it more predictable. Income-eligible customers can apply for our OnTrack program, which offers fixed monthly payments and referrals to energy-saving programs, such as WRAP. OnTrack also offers debt forgiveness if you have a past-due balance.

Our fuel fund, Operation HELP, offers free grants toward your electric bill. This program has slightly higher income level requirements so we can help even more customers make ends meet. See if you qualify at pplelectric.com/OperationHelp.

Moving? Start, stop or transfer service in minutes

Whether you’re heading to your first college apartment or downsizing to an empty-nester loft, there’s no need to stress about your electricity service. We’ve got you covered with our mobile-friendly website. Learn more at pplelectric.com/moving.

Ask an advisor

Q: Is it true that trees are the number one cause of power outages? What tree trimming efforts do you have in place to prevent this?

A: Yes; trees are a leading cause of power outages, especially in our rural areas. That's why we have a comprehensive vegetation management program to

address trees adjacent to power lines that are most likely to fall and cause damage to our equipment. We trim or remove these trees routinely across 28,000 miles of overhead power lines to prevent outages.

One way you can help is to make sure any new trees planted around your home are at least 50 feet away from any power lines. For more information about our vegetation management program, visit pplelectric.com/TreeTrimming.