PPL : LG&E and KU offer important tips this summer

(LOUISVILLE, Ky.) - With warm days already here and June being National Safety Month, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company are offering important tips and resources to help customers save energy and stay safe this summer.

Energy-saving tips

The weather and how we use energy are two major factors that can affect utility bills. LG&E and KU are encouraging customers to keep a few simple tips in mind to help beat the heat:

• Make sure your system is ready. Have a certified professional service your air conditioning unit annually to make sure it's ready to perform in extended high temperatures. Set a reminder to change your filter each month, or according to the manufacturer's instructions, to keep your system operating properly.
• Program your thermostat. Setting the thermostat to the highest comfortable setting during the day will help manage cooling expenses. Raising your thermostat setting by one degree can save as much as 4-7 percent on the cooling portion of your energy bill. Customers also can purchase a smart thermostat using the LG&E and KU Online Marketplace, which offers instant rebates up to $75. Visit shop.lge-ku.com to explore available options.
• Open and uncover vents. Be sure vents are open and clear, unblocked by furniture or other obstructions that could prevent air from circulating through your home.
• Pull the shade. Closing curtains, drapes and blinds on sun-facing windows helps block rays that naturally increase indoor temperatures.

Summertime safety tips

Summer weather also means increased outdoor activities, including camping and hiking, and traveling. Here are some helpful tips to remember while outside or on the go:

• Assemble an emergency kit. Include essential items such as water, nonperishable foods, first-aid items, a cell phone charge, weather radio and extra batteries.
• Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car.
• Take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool down.
• Pay attention to local weather. Monitor the local forecast and National Weather Service for the latest updates if inclement weather is expected for your area.
• Follow campground rules. Follow campground and local guidelines while outside and do not build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions, which could start a fire.
• Take steps for fire safety. Find out if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit you can use, and have a source of water, a bucket and a shovel nearby at all times.

Visit lge-ku.com for important safety information and more ways to save energy this summer.

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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 335,000 natural gas and 436,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 545,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and 28,000 in five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.