PPL to Improve Reliability

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has granted approval for PPL Electric Utilities’ proposed Northeast Pocono Reliability Project. PPL submitted the project to the PUC in late December 2012, after soliciting public input.

Voting 5-0 to authorize the project, the commission found that the new facilities are necessary, and PPL took reasonable steps to minimize the environmental effects of the construction and maintenance of the facilities.

“We’re pleased the PUC gave the go-ahead for this important work,” said Stephanie Raymond, PPL Electric Utilities Transmission and Substation vice president. “Investing in our system and keeping it strong means more reliable service for customers.”

The $335 million Northeast Pocono Reliability Project involves building new electrical substations and a new 230 kilovolt power line running approximately 60 miles. Other project work is planned to enhance existing 69 kilovolt power lines in the region.

Upon completion, the improvements will reduce the number of outages in the area and will shorten the duration of outages caused by severe weather and falling trees. In addition, the improvements will increase reliability in a region where electric use has grown for decades because of new home construction and general increased power use from things like appliances and electronics.

According to the Northeast Pocono Reliability Project description, PPL encourages the public to get involved: "Public involvement is a key part of this project. We welcome your participation and want to hear your comments. We will use your input wherever we can to help minimize the impact of this project on people and the environment."

The project is expected to benefit customers in Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe and Pike counties.

The company is currently working with various agencies to secure necessary environmental permits for the project, which is anticipated to complete in 2017.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has granted approval for PPL Electric Utilities’ proposed Northeast Pocono Reliability Project. PPL submitted the project to the PUC in late December 2012, after soliciting public input.

Voting 5-0 to authorize the project, the commission found that the new facilities are necessary, and PPL took reasonable steps to minimize the environmental effects of the construction and maintenance of the facilities.

“We’re pleased the PUC gave the go-ahead for this important work,” said Stephanie Raymond, PPL Electric Utilities Transmission and Substation vice president. “Investing in our system and keeping it strong means more reliable service for customers.”

The $335 million Northeast Pocono Reliability Project involves building new electrical substations and a new 230 kilovolt power line running approximately 60 miles. Other project work is planned to enhance existing 69 kilovolt power lines in the region.

Upon completion, the improvements will reduce the number of outages in the area and will shorten the duration of outages caused by severe weather and falling trees. In addition, the improvements will increase reliability in a region where electric use has grown for decades because of new home construction and general increased power use from things like appliances and electronics.

The project is expected to benefit customers in Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe and Pike counties.

The company is currently working with various agencies to secure necessary environmental permits for the project, which is anticipated to complete in 2017.