Nearly 350,000 students in school districts throughout Pennsylvania will benefit from a new alliance between PP&L EnergyPlus and the Pennsylvania Energy Consortium.

About 70 school districts can save up to $600,000 per year on their energy costs, freeing up funds to be spent on other educational needs.

Under the alliance, PP&L EnergyPlus is the recommended energy supplier for districts that are in the customer choice pilot program and belong to the Pennsylvania Energy Consortium. The consortium represents Pennsylvania school districts in energy purchasing issues.

"The cost of education is rising and school districts are doing everything they can to prevent tax increases," said John Sipics, vice president for PP&L EnergyPlus. "The savings available with this alliance will be significant, and will free up dollars for other education uses."

PP&L has a long history of educational partnerships, including providing curriculum development and energy performance services. PP&L also has long experience in providing school districts and other major customers with competitive and reliable electricity supply.

"We are pleased to have PP&L EnergyPlus as our partner in this alliance. We had offers from several suppliers and determined that PP&L EnergyPlus would provide our members with substantial savings and excellent service," said Jeff Kimball, Pennsylvania Energy Consortium coordinator and purchasing and materials manager for the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.

The Pennsylvania Energy Consortium represents school districts around the state, including the Lehigh Valley, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport and Pittsburgh areas. The consortium is headquartered at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit in Milton, Pa.

For information on PP&L EnergyPlus, call toll-free 1-888-BUY POWER.