Got an old fridge to get rid of? PPL Electric Utilities still will take it, pay you and recycle it.

Want new discount-price CFL bulbs? PPL still will sell them to you.

Hope to get paid for trimming your air-conditioning use next summer? Sorry, those days are gone.

PPL on Friday asked for state approval of its second generation of "E-power" energy-efficiency initiatives.

The 18 measures, subject to the state Public Utility Commission's action, are a mix of first-generation carryovers and newcomers.

All are intended to cut electric consumption, as state Act 129 requires each electric utility in Pennsylvania to do.

"A lot has been accomplished, but the next phase is an opportunity to do even more," said Gregory N. Dudkin, PPL president.

The first generation of programs is approaching the end of its four-year run, which will happen May 31, 2013.

Then the second generation, lasting three years, begins.

PPL's E-power programs are funded by a charge on customer bills.

However, PPL and other utilities are not allowed to profit on their Act 129 programs or the charges.

The current monthly charge of about $2 for the average PPL residential customer is expected to remain the same during phase two.

Here are some highlights of PPL's proposal.

Back by popular demand is the appliance-recycling program, which already has claimed more than 45,000 older, inefficient air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers. PPL pays $10 to $50 for each.

Also returning is the residential retail program, which provides discounted or free CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs and rebates of $25 to $300 on purchases of new efficient appliances.

Incentives for large and small commercial and industrial customers, and government, educational and nonprofit customers will be retained, too.

Likewise, PPL will carry over its public-education efforts to the second generation.

These include "report cards" for high-usage customers that recommend ways to cut consumption. In phase two, this will be expanded to low-income customers.

New for phase two is a "student and parent" education program that includes workshops that schools can present.

There also is teacher training and incentives for Parent Teacher Organizations to invite parents to energy-efficiency workshops.

The schools themselves can benefit by enrolling in a new "continuous energy improvement program."

Ten school districts will be picked to take part and share best practices.

Also new is a program to boost energy-efficiency in multifamily, low-income housing buildings that are "master metered" and owned by nonprofits.

PPL will perform a free building audit and give rebates for energy-efficient lighting, appliances, HVAC and other equipment purchased for the buildings.

For more information on PPL's proposed programs, visit pplelectric.com, then select "Save Energy & Money" and "For Act 129 Stakeholders."
tmekeel@lnpnews.com