Our goal is to provide exceptional service to you.
One key way we’re doing that is with a new automated power restoration system that’s turning the lights back on for customers in minutes, even before a work crew has made repairs.
The system uses smart grid technology that includes pole-top sensors to detect outages, a central computer that quickly analyzes the problem, and remote-control switches that reroute power and restore customers to service.
Here’s a video that shows how it works:
This advanced technology has already meant shorter power outages for thousands of homes and businesses, as the system has been phased in around our delivery area. It became fully operational in June.
During severe thunderstorms the week of July 18, our smart grid restored 9,488 homes and businesses to service in an average of one minute and 56 seconds. The following week, during another round of severe storms, the technology restored 5,308 customers automatically in an average of one minute and 36 seconds.
Here are some other recent examples of smart grid operations:
A tree branch fell on a power line in Thompsontown, Juniata County, on April 9, cutting power to 1,800 customers. The PPL smart grid returned 1,016 of the customers to service in four minutes.
An equipment failure in the Whitehall area June 28 cut power to 1,578 customers. In two minutes, 856 of the customers were back in power.
A storm in the Bloomsburg area June 28 cut power to 1,694 customers. In four minutes, smart grid had turned power back on for 1,456 customers.
A tree fell on a power line in the Macungie area on June 24, cutting power to 1,758 customers. In two minutes, 923 of the customers were returned to service.
We’re continuing to invest in technology and equipment to improve reliability for you. We’ve reduced outages by 30 percent since 2007, with an improvement of another 15 percent expected in the next five years. Last year our reliability programs prevented an estimated 410,000 power outages.
The arrival of summer brings with it sun, fun and plenty of time spent outdoors, particularly when trying to catch up with projects around the house.
When tackling those household jobs, don’t forget to keep safety in mind, particularly around electricity. Statistics indicate that about 400 people are electrocuted each year in the U.S. and thousands more are injured as a result of electrical incidents. Summer is typically the prime season for those types of injuries.
7 Tips to help keep you safe while trying to check off all those items on your summer to-do list.
1. Be wise around wires. Summer is thunderstorm season, and while we’ve made significant investments in strengthening our system, fierce thunderstorms may bring down lines. No matter what the season, stay at least 10 feet away from fallen power lines and always assume that the wire is energized. Report the fallen wires to 1-800-DIAL-PPL.
2. Climb with caution. The summer months are a good time to do maintenance on roofs, trees, and shutters. When climbing ladders to do those jobs, be aware of any power lines that may pose a risk and avoid making contact with those lines. Always stay at least 10 feet away from those lines and make sure anything you are holding or touching is at least 10 feet away.
3. Before digging, call 811. Summer is prime yard work season. If a home improvement or landscaping project requires digging with power equipment, make a toll-free 811 call three business days before work starts to request a survey of underground utilities. Call 811 if it appears digging in your neighborhood is being done without a survey.
4. Keep power equipment away from water. If you undertake a yard project that requires power tools and extension cords near a pool, pond or water fountain, make sure to keep those devices and cords away from water and wet grass. Make sure that the cord used for the tool is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter.
5. Don’t overextend power cords. When cutting the grass or trimming weeds with electric-powered equipment, make sure extension cords aren’t damaged or frayed. Don’t overload them and don’t use multiple extension cords together.
6. Hold on to those balloons. Graduations and pool parties are summer staples. If your preparation for a party involves Mylar balloons, make sure to tie them down. They can cause power outages if they touch electrical lines.
7. Be cool AND safe. When you return indoors from a day of outdoor chores, you want a safe, properly functioning air conditioning system. Have a licensed inspector look over the system to make sure it’s operating safely and efficiently.
Mother Nature’s electrical fireworks can be deadly. Nearly 50 people are killed by lightning each year in the U.S. and hundreds more are severely injured.
Courtesy of the National Weather Service, check out a few lightning myths and facts to stay safe:
MYTH: If trapped outside during a lightning storm, lie flat on the ground.
FACT: Lying flat just increases your chance of getting hit by potentially deadly ground current. Keep moving toward a safe shelter.
MYTH: If there is no rain or clouds, you’re safe from lightning.
FACT: Lightning has a long reach. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from a thunderstorm.
MYTH: A lightning victim is electrified and you risk electrocution if you touch them.
FACT: The body does not store electricity and it’s perfectly safe to give first aid. Don’t be afraid to come to their aid. You could save a victim’s life.
Construction workers, law enforcement and firefighters can be around power lines more than most of us.
They may work with digging equipment and cranes, respond to vehicle accidents involving downed wires, and fight building fires. A wide variety of situations can bring them close to power lines. To help them stay safe around electricity, we offer free information kits to assist them in becoming more informed about the potential dangers around them.
The kits for our Worker Beware and First Responder Beware programs include a video, booklets, slide shows and trainer guides so whole groups can become better educated together.
Each year, we send out thousands of fliers to contractors and first responder groups to let them know about our program. But waiting for a mailing isn’t the only way to get great safety information. Our safety website has links where the free kits can be ordered.
We care about the safety of all those who live and work in our service territory. Maybe a free information kit is just what your group needs to help everyone work safer.
Portable generators can bring you power when storms knock out electricity. But they also can bring heartache if used incorrectly.
Nearly 80 percent of the more than 900 carbon monoxide deaths between 1992 and 2012 were associated with generators. Half of generator-associated carbon monoxide deaths happen between November and February.
If you have a portable electric generator, make sure it’s installed and used correctly. Never operate a generator indoors or in any other enclosed or partially enclosed space, including your garage.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends generators be located at least 20 feet from windows, doors or vents to prevent deadly CO from getting into your home. Of course, CO alarms inside your home also are a smart idea.
