PP&L, Inc., has worked hard to establish a reputation with its customers for providing outstanding service. Starting today (1/5), the company is backing that reputation with a guarantee.

PP&L is unveiling a program called "Service Promise." It will provide electric service customers with a voucher, good for $25 off their PP&L bill, if the company does not meet certain commitments.

"A lot of companies talk about good service. We're so confident in our ability to provide outstanding service that we're backing it with our Service Promise guarantee," said John R. Menichini, PP&L vice president for Customer Services.

Service Promise guarantees apply to PP&L's 1.2 million electric delivery service customers in 29 counties of eastern and central Pennsylvania.

The three areas covered by the guarantee program are:

• PP&L will keep appointments with customers or call at least 24 hours ahead of time to reschedule.
• PP&L will provide standard electric service to a new home or business within seven working days after customers complete their requirements for obtaining electric service and PP&L receives approval from an electrical inspector.
• PP&L will reconnect electric meters within two working days (as long as the meter was not disconnected for nonpayment of bills).

"If we do not meet our commitments under the Service Promise program, we will give customers a $25 voucher, on the spot, no questions asked," Menichini said. "It's our way of showing customers we respect their time and we're committed to meeting their needs."

Customers who receive a voucher will get a credit on their PP&L electric service bill automatically. The program requires no action on the customer's part.

Service guarantees do not apply to emergencies, such as severe storms and floods; prearranged power outages to repair or replace electrical equipment; and electrical service problems, such as power outages or flickering lights.

PP&L, Inc., a subsidiary of PP&L Resources, Inc., provides electricity delivery service to 1.2 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania, sells retail electricity throughout the state of Pennsylvania and markets wholesale electricity in 18 states.