ALLENTOWN, Pa., Jan. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The PPL
Electric Utilities power grid had its most reliable year ever in
2017 with customers continuing to see fewer outages.
PPL has been installing more smart grid technology, using data
analytics to improve equipment maintenance and replacement,
installing better protection against damage from lightning strikes,
and more. In addition, comprehensive clearing along power lines
continues to reduce tree-related outages, the number one cause of
outages during storms.
Compared to 2007, PPL customers experienced a total of 550,000
fewer interruptions in 2017.
"Last year was the best year for reliability in our history,"
said Stephanie Raymond, vice
president, Distribution Operations. "We're always looking to make
our grid better. That work never stops. Our business revolves
around serving our customers and powering our communities. It's a
responsibility we relish."
PPL customers experience some of the best electric service
reliability in the country. PPL is in the top 11 percent among
utilities nationwide in terms of the lowest average number of
outages per customer.
What does increased reliability look like?
- Since 2010, smart grid devices have been installed at more than
4,600 locations throughout PPL's service territory.
- There was a 76 percent reduction in lightning-related outages
on transmission lines from 2012-17 because of investments in
lightning protection.
What do future grid investments look like?
- More automation on the local distribution grid to reroute power
around trouble spots and turn the lights on faster for many
customers.
- More automation on the higher-voltage transmission grid to
further improve reliability for customers.
- Improvements at substations and in underground networks that
serve cities.
- Continued proactive replacement of aging equipment.
- Replacement of 15,000 wooden distribution poles and 160 circuit
breakers over the next five years.
- Rebuilding over 1,400 miles of older transmission lines over
the next five years.
"Electricity plays a part in nearly every aspect of our lives.
We know people depend on us," Raymond said. "Making the power grid
more and more reliable is just one way we can deliver."
PPL Electric Utilities provides electric delivery service to
more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania and ranks among the best utility
companies in the country for customer service and reliability. PPL
Electric Utilities is a major employer in the communities it
serves. It is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). For more
information visit www.pplelectric.com.
Visit our media website at
www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and
background about PPL Corporation.
Contact:
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Joe Nixon,
610-774-5997
|
|
PPL Electric
Utilities
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SOURCE PPL Electric Utilities