Allentown, Pa., October 11, 2011 — After consideration of public input and careful study of the region, PPL Electric Utilities has chosen a route for a new power line as part of a project to improve electric service for homes and businesses in northeast Pennsylvania and the Poconos, the company said October 11.
The new power line and three new substations will provide safe and reliable electricity to homes and businesses in the region, said David Bonenberger, general manager-Transmission Operations. “These new facilities will reduce the number of power outages experienced by our customers, and also reduce the duration of outages caused by falling trees or severe weather,” he said.
In choosing the location for the new 230-kV power line and the new 69-kV power lines that are needed for this project, the company conducted an extensive public input process and a months-long study of the region.
After additional public open houses to take comments on the chosen route, PPL Electric Utilities will begin the process of submitting the required applications to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for approval.
The company also has selected locations for three new electrical substations.
The new power lines and substations will serve 250,000 people in parts of Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne, Pike and Luzerne counties. This project is part of more than $3 billion in infrastructure improvements planned by PPL Electric Utilities to benefit customers throughout its 29-county service territory.
This project also will help meet the growing demand for electricity in the area. Electricity use in the region has been increasing for decades, as new homes were built and existing homes used more electronic devices and appliances.
This growth slowed slightly during the recent economic recession, and is likely to be partially offset by energy-saving measures being promoted by PPL Electric Utilities. But overall, demand in the region — particularly at peak times such as the hottest summer days and the coldest winter nights — is expected to continue to increase.
In addition to the new substations and new power line, the company will rebuild about 20 miles of an existing 69-kV power line that runs from the Peckville area in Lackawanna County to Honesdale in Wayne County. PPL Electric Utilities also will make other improvements to facilities in the area.
