According to federal statistics, extremely hot weather is responsible for more than 700 deaths every year in the United States. It is also responsible for more than 67,000 hospital visits.
The heat wave coincides with PPL raising rates this week.
Most customers will see their bill go up by about $7.
PPL residential customers will see a 3.23% increase in their bills for a customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month.
As PPL raises its rates for the first time in a decade, temperatures are soaring, and so are power bills.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission was granted a settlement to increase its annual distribution revenue by $275 million.
The funds are designated for power grid maintenance, tree trimming and new poles and wires.
“We’re really working year-round to make sure it’s reliable. When it comes to these kinds of events, it’s really just monitoring the smart grid to verify the health,” said Jonah Howe, regional affairs director for PPL.
PPL suggests closing doors of spare rooms, closing blinds and drapes, and limiting heat generated by appliances.
“You know, we can’t avoid (using appliances) but if we can limit that during high-energy usage times in the day that will reduce the amount of electricity that we’re using, which will reduce bills,” said Howe.
Calls are pouring into Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling, and Electric on Emaus Avenue in Allentown.
Each tech is making at least a half-dozen calls a day during the heat wave.
Tech Colt Solliday reminds people to clean their filters and leave the setting on the “on” position instead of “auto” to save money.
“Because even though you think about having the unit still run, the idea of having the system not have to work as hard, over the length of the day, that’s where you’re really going to see the balance catch up,” said Solliday.
PPL cannot raise the distribution rate for electricity again until 2028.