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Aug 8, 2019 | Reliability | 2 comments

A dependable transmission grid is key to reliability

Ever see a line of silver towers in a rural field? Or, maybe steel poles lining the road? Those are transmission lines, and you likely don’t give them much thought as you pass by in your car.

But those transmission lines are crucial to most everything you do at home and work. They’re the backbone of our electric grid.

In fact, the transmission system is becoming even more important with the increased use of renewable energy, like solar and wind. Transmission lines are needed to get the new cleaner power from where it’s generated to the population centers that will be using it. A strong transmission grid also helps keep electricity reliable.

At PPL Electric Utilities, we take reliability seriously. Beginning in 2013, we used data to make focused upgrades and get ahead of potential future problems. We started building new lines and substations, replacing aging equipment and changing out wooden poles with stronger steel poles. We’re also adding more lightning protection and using new technology to help shorten outages.

The results for our customers are big.

From 2013-2019, we’ve reduced transmission outages by 79 percent and we’ve cut outages caused from lightning by 77 percent. Our transmission system is more resistant to most severe storms and we’re better equipped to handle potential cyber or physical attacks against our grid.

So, the next time you drive by a transmission line, take comfort knowing that we’re always working to provide you with sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity, now and into the future.

2 Comments

  1. Kristina Diefenderfer

    How can I find out if the very old steel towers will be replaced near my house? I think the replacements look great!

    Reply
    • Alecia

      Good Morning Kristina, please call us at 1-800-342-5775 for more information about pole replacement. Thank you!

      Reply

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