Only three of Pennsylvania Power & Light Co.'s nearly 1.2 million customers are without electricity as of Dec. 19, 1995, because they failed to pay their electric bills.
A total of 6,583 customers had power shut off during 1995. Most of those customers had their electric service restored after arranging to pay their bills. Others left their residence after termination, and the residence is now vacant.
The state's major electric and gas utilities are required to report figures on service cut-offs to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's Bureau of Consumer Services each winter. PP&L provided those figures on Dec. 15, 1995.
All three customers are currently without electric service because they could not be contacted through various means.
"We made numerous attempts to personally contact all customers who are without service because of bill nonpayment," said Robert H. Ballard, PP&L's manager-Revenue Collection. "We will continue to try through the winter to reach them."
Ballard noted that service termination is the last step in a long process designed to provide customers with opportunities to make payment arrangements. PP&L has several programs designed to assist low-income customers:
- CARES, The Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Service, helps customers with payment arrangements, provides credit counseling and makes referrals to social service agencies.
- Operation HELP uses donations from PP&L, its customers and employees to give direct financial assistance to needy customers.
- WRAP, the Winter Relief Assistance Program, provides weatherization services for customers who meet income guidelines.
- Budget counseling services are recommended by PP&L to customers who may need help managing their household finances.
"We understand that some customers have a difficult time making ends meet," Ballard said. "We encourage our customers to contact us directly if they're having trouble paying their electricity bills. We'll make every effort to work out mutually acceptable payment arrangements."
Customers can call PP&L toll-free at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775) for assistance program information or to ask questions about their bill.