PP&L, Inc., applauds Congress' decision to continue funding for the federal government's low-income energy assistance program in 1999. The application period for LIHEAP funds opened this week.

In the first half of 1998, the federal government's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provided $2.5 million to help more than 8,600 PP&L, Inc., customers pay their electric bills. About 17 percent of the company's 1.2 million electric delivery customers live below the federal poverty level.

"With winter approaching again, it's reassuring to know that LIHEAP funds are available to help families that might otherwise be unable to pay their energy bills," said John R. Menichini, PP&L, Inc., vice president for Customer Services.

The company credited U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) for leading the fight on Capitol Hill to continue LIHEAP funding.

"Without Sen. Specter's involvement and leadership, LIHEAP may have been discontinued. Many low-income families would have faced a colder, more difficult winter, with even greater financial hardships," noted Joanne H. Raphael, PP&L, Inc., vice president for External Affairs.

PP&L, Inc., has been an industry leader in offering universal service and energy conservation programs. The company's programs leverage LIHEAP dollars to provide an even higher level of support to families that need it most.

PP&L, Inc.'s Operation HELP program is similar to LIHEAP in that it provides money to pay energy bills for low-income customers. Since 1983, Operation HELP has raised about $8 million through contributions from the company and its customers, employees and retirees.

PP&L, Inc., also offers free home weatherization, energy conservation and energy education services through its Winter Relief Assistance and Keep Warm programs; a customer assistance program called On Track; and an outreach service for customers experiencing special hardships.
"We currently spend more than $7 million a year on programs for needy customers. We expect to double that level of spending by 2001," Menichini said.

PP&L, Inc., customers who believe they may qualify for LIHEAP assistance must apply before Jan. 8, 1999. For information on how to apply, customers should contact the Department of Public Welfare office in their county, or they may call PP&L, Inc.'s toll-free customer service number, 1-800-342-5775 (1-800 DIAL PPL).