PPL upgrading northeastern Pennsylvania electrical system

PPL Electric Utilities said recently that it is working to improve multiple parts of the electrical system in  northeastern Pennsylvania.

The utility is pursuing 20 projects this year that will upgrade power lines and modernize equipment at its substations. Altogether, this set of improvements and repairs totals approximately $30 million.

The company plans to invest approximately $1 billion into strengthening its electricity delivery systems to all of its customers over the course of the year.

"You'll likely see our trucks, crews and contractors working in the Poconos and other parts of our northeastern service area to improve the system that delivers power directly to homes and businesses," Sarah Fliszar, director of PPL operations, said. "Projects include rebuilding lines to meet higher demand, adding new equipment that allows us to remotely re-route power during damaging storms, and upgrading substations with new technology that will help minimize outages."

Automated grid technology will be installed in Monroe County, the company said, and that approximately 70,000 individuals will see improved reliability when these upgrades are completed, likely in November.

 Several substations in Monroe, Carbon and Lackawanna Counties also will see the installation of remote-control devices that will allow staff more control of electrical flow.