Winters in Pennsylvania make home heating a necessity for customers of PPL Electric Utilities, but some families have a hard time paying their heating bills because of financial hardships such as unemployment, disability or medical expenses.

That’s why PPL Electric Utilities created its Operation HELP fund. Over the past 18 years, Operation HELP has raised $10.5 million for local families in need through contributions from the company, its employees and its customers.

Each December, PPL Electric Utilities includes a message in electric bills asking customers to consider contributing to Operation HELP. This year, PPL Electric Utilities has received nearly $500,000 in contributions from its customers and employees.

"Operation HELP was one of the first utility fuel funds," said Evelyn Soto, customer relations specialist for PPL Electric Utilities. "Money raised through Operation HELP has enabled 45,000 families in our region to keep the heat on through the winter. Operation HELP is truly neighbor helping neighbor, a concept we strongly support."

Operation HELP grants are available to PPL Electric Utilities customers no matter what kind of fuel they use to heat their homes.

A network of 15 social service agencies accepts requests for Operation HELP grants, interviews applicants and distributes funds. PPL Electric Utilities audits the program each year to ensure the money is used properly.

Operation HELP works with government programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help families in need pay their heating bills.

LIHEAP provides money to help customers pay for home heating and furnace repairs. In Pennsylvania, LIHEAP funds are administered by the Department of Public Welfare. The deadline to apply for LIHEAP cash grants is Jan. 31, 2002. Customers may apply at the assistance office in the county where they live.

Donations to Operation HELP are tax deductible and are used to assist needy families for energy-bill payments. To assure that the funds are used properly, a financial audit is conducted annually for each administrating agency by a certified public accounting firm. PPL reviews each agency’s recordkeeping procedures annually. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free in Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.