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Whether power outages are caused by severe weather, equipment issues, or routine maintenance, their impacts are far and wide, disrupting everything from communication to food storage and home security. Many residents and business owners in Pennsylvania rely on PPL Electric Utilities for reliable electricity, but when blackouts strike, they’re left scrambling for updates and expected restoration times.
Below, we’re sharing how to find and use PPL’s outage map, report a power loss, and prepare for potential disruptions so you can stay ahead of any power interruption.
Which Areas Does PPL Serve?
PPL Electric Utilities is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation that provides electricity to customers throughout central and eastern Pennsylvania. It services approximately 1.5 million customers in 29 counties, including major cities and suburbs such as Lancaster, Scranton, and Allentown. Its service area spans more than 10,000 square miles.
PPL’s customer base is massive and diverse, but that means that rolling blackouts, sudden outages, or brownouts also make a profound impact. In an ideal world, these electricity interruptions would be completely avoidable. However, in reality, many factors are out of the utility company’s control. The best you can do is know how to stay updated when they occur and be as prepared as possible for their inevitable occurrence.
How To Use the PPL Outage Map
Thankfully, PPL offers a real-time outage map on its website to inform customers about current or upcoming power interruptions. You may be in the dark without power, but don’t be in the dark about current outages and when you can expect the electricity to come back on. Here’s how to use this tool to stay updated.
Access the Online Map
Open your internet browser on your phone, tablet, or computer and visit the PPL Outage Map. You’ll be met with an interactive digital map with current information on reported outages in the service area.
Use the Map to Identify Outages
Move the map around to find your area or the area you want information on. Once your display shows the area in question, you can zoom in to look for a green lightning icon representing an active outage.
Gather Outage Details
Once you’ve located the outage you’re looking for, click on the icon to prompt a pop-up with further details. In this window, you’ll find a cause (if available), status (whether power has already been restored or is currently being worked on), the number of customers affected, and an estimated repair time. At the bottom of the window, you also have the opportunity to report an outage if it’s not showing up on the map.
How To Report a PPL Power Outage
Don’t see the power loss impacting you reflected on the map? Report a blackout to minimize its impact and ensure restoration can happen as soon as possible. You have several options to report an outage directly to the utility company.
By Phone
If you have a phone handy, dial PPL’s outage reporting line at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). This number is available 24/7, so you don’t have to worry if the blackout occurs after regular business hours. Your call helps PPL determine the scope of the issue and where it needs to send repair crews.
Report Online in the Self-Service Portal
Do you prefer to do things online? Visit the PPL Outage Center, where you can self-report an issue. You’ll fill out a short questionnaire about the problem (power completely out, flickering lights, downed wire or pole, or other), fill out your zip code and the associated phone number to your account, and then submit your report.
How To Prepare for a Pennsylvania Power Outage
Stay empowered and keep your family safe during Pennsylvania power outages with these tips.
1. Invest in a Backup Power Supply
An emergency power supply can make all the difference. A portable power station such as the EcoFlow DELTA 3 is sufficient for short outages, or consider another one of the EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations. During more prolonged outages, you may benefit from energy generation abilities. For those purposes, we recommend investing in either the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV220W) or the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W).
2. Create a Family Electricity Outage Plan
Keep your family on the same page during extended blackouts. Gather your family members and create a written plan that covers where emergency supplies are, how to safely operate the portable power station or generator, who to contact in the event of an emergency, and where to meet if evacuation is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can ensure you receive timely PPL alerts by signing up at pplelectric.com/alerts. There, you can select your preferred route to receive either by text, phone, or email. You’ll then need to confirm your subscription to alerts and ensure your contact preferences are correct. You can sign up for account, billing, and price change alerts.
Yes, PPL Electric has a mobile app called PPL Mobile. Within the app, you can make payments, subscribe to alerts, manage their accounts, and more. Alternatively, you can also use PPL’s mobile-friendly website, which offers the same capabilities without downloading an app.
Final Thoughts
Most power interruptions occur unexpectedly, and they can happen at any time. While it’s a less-than-ideal fact of life, you can ensure these disruptions are less impactful by staying prepared and updated as best you can. Bolster your home’s energy security by investing in EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators, which generate clean solar energy and can provide backup power for essential appliances and devices even when the grid goes down. You can also keep your family safe and comfortable by preparing an emergency kit and having a plan in place. Use PPL’s online outage map to track updates and manage expectations for restoration time.