Sep 30, 2026 | Customer Service
Economic development plays a growing role in shaping the future of the communities PPL Electric Utilities serves. From supporting new business opportunities to helping communities prepare for long-term growth, the work involves collaboration across teams, organizations and regions. In the Q&A below, Jason Hunt, manager of Business and Economic Development, shares more about what economic development means for PPL Electric, why it matters and what’s ahead.
Q: What is economic development, and what does it mean for PPL Electric?
A: When we’re talking about economic development, we’re talking about more than just bringing in a new business or responding to a site selection consultant’s inquiry about land. The goal is to drive sustainable growth and community vitality across our entire service territory by aligning what businesses need, what community priorities are and identifying long-term investment opportunities.
It’s also an important bridge. Because we work with the state, local leadership and community organizations, we can help tie different players together and position the company as a trusted partner.
Q: Why is economic development important for our company and our customers?
A: We can’t grow as a company unless our communities are growing – so economic development is obviously good for PPL. But it is also good for our customers. It brings new career opportunities, gives people a reason to live and work in our service territory, and supports growth in related industries like suppliers and local businesses. From a utility standpoint, growth supports a broader customer base to share system costs, and large energy users contribute proportionally based on usage—helping lower system costs and support long-term affordability for all customers.
Q: What makes PPL Electric’s approach to economic development different from other utilities?
A: Many utilities once had strong economic development programs, but a lot of them reduced those efforts after deregulation. For PPL Electric, the need to reestablish this work comes from the increasing demand for power — especially from industrial customers. Projects today require more power than they did just a few years ago, which means we need to get involved in the conversation earlier than we have for the last 15 years or so.
This work is also an extension of our Go BEYOND initiative for customer service. These economic development stakeholders aren’t customers yet, but we need to treat them like customers by being responsive, collaborative and solutions-oriented from the beginning.
Q: Where does PPL Electric fit into the site selection process?
A: The site selection process is like a funnel. Companies often begin with a large list of possible locations across several states before narrowing down those options over time.
Our goal is to ensure sites within PPL’s territory stay in the running for as long as possible and ultimately make it to the shortlist. That starts with responsiveness—providing quick, accurate information and helping companies understand timelines, opportunities and potential challenges.
Q: What progress has been made over the past year?
A: One of the first major steps was commissioning a competitiveness analysis to benchmark PPL Electric’s service territory against neighboring regions and national best practices.
The study identified both strengths and opportunities for improvement, including a lack of shovel-ready industrial sites. To address that, the company hired a consultant to evaluate land across its Pennsylvania service territory and identify sites with strong potential for future industrial development.
Communities will ultimately receive recommendations on how to improve those sites and make them more competitive for future projects.
We’ve also worked to strengthen relationships with local economic development organizations by providing technical assistance, training opportunities and employee involvement on local boards.
Q: What’s next for economic development at PPL Electric?
A: A major next step is completing the industrial site study, which is expected to wrap up by the end of the summer.
Another focus area is improving how projects and inquiries are tracked internally by digitizing and streamlining processes so teams across the company can better collaborate and share visibility into projects.
I think fostering that sense of camaraderie and teamwork among people who don’t normally work together on a day-to-day basis is an important ongoing part of the work.
Economic development is still relatively new at PPL Electric, so making sure people are aware of it and know when to involve me is a really important piece of what we’re building.
As PPL Electric continues building its economic development efforts, collaboration across teams and communities will remain a key focus. By strengthening partnerships, improving processes and supporting long-term growth opportunities, the work aims to help position both PPL Electric and the communities it serves for future success.
About Jason
Jason Hunt is the manager of business & economic development for PPL Electric Utilities’ service territory within Pennsylvania. PPL Electric provides electric delivery services to 1.5 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania. PPL Electric is part of PPL Corporation which operates and maintains a vast electric delivery system that spans 10,000 square miles and serves a population of more than 3 million.
In his role with PPL Electric, Hunt works to help companies locate and expand their businesses within PPL Electric’s service territory. He works in partnership with consultants, economic developers and state government stakeholders.
Sep 15, 2026 | Environment
Wildflowers swaying in the summer breeze. Butterflies drifting from bloom to bloom. Bees buzzing among a colorful meadow of native plants. Visitors walking the trails at Lancaster Conservancy’s Safe Harbor Nature Preserve can now experience a landscape bursting with life and color.
Just a short time ago, this thriving habitat consisted of only farm-like grasslands.
“Woodlands are crucial, but these functioning meadows have been steadily declining, leading to declines in nesting birds and pollinator species,” said Eric Roper, a forester for the Lancaster Conservancy. “When we can create these havens to provide habitats for all these important species, it also has an impact on us and our way of life.”
The story of this transformation actually began more than a decade ago. In 2011, PPL Electric Utilities donated the land that now makes up Safe Harbor Nature Preserve to Lancaster Conservancy as part of a major conservation effort. Today, the 213-acre preserve contains a mix of fields, forests and woodland edges that provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and outdoor recreation opportunities for the community.
Then, in 2024, our teams returned to the preserve for an important reliability improvement project. Crews replaced 52 transmission poles — many stretching through the corridor at Safe Harbor — to help maintain reliable electric service for communities in and around West Hempfield Township and the surrounding communities.
When the work was complete, the conservancy saw an opportunity and worked with us to create something more than a utility corridor.
Together, the organizations developed a habitat enhancement plan for the transmission right-of-way. The goal was to establish the right mix of native plants and shrubs that would support wildlife while remaining compatible with the safe operation and maintenance of the electric transmission system. PPL Electric also provided some of the native plant and shrub species now seen in the meadow.
“To see the preserve where it’s at today, it’s pretty amazing,” said Tom Eby, lead environmental professional at PPL Electric Utilities. “During the project, it looked nothing like it does now, so it really is nice to see all the wildlife out here and open it up to the public.”
Over the next two years, those newly planted species took root and flourished.
As of the summer of 2026, the corridor has transformed into a sprawling native meadow. The area now provides food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife while creating a beautiful natural experience for visitors, who can walk directly through the meadow along public trails.
The success at Safe Harbor builds on an ongoing partnership between PPL Electric and the Lancaster Conservancy. The organizations previously worked together at Kellys Run Nature Preserve, where a native pollinator habitat was established within a transmission line corridor. That project expanded pollinator-friendly meadows and created valuable habitat for bees, butterflies, moths and other species.
“It’s great to have a partnership like this where we can help them while they help us,” Eby said. “Really, it’s about the environment and the public benefiting from this collaboration.”
At Safe Harbor, the results are easy to see. What was once simply a right-of-way beneath power lines has become a vibrant native landscape that supports wildlife, welcomes visitors and demonstrates how reliable energy infrastructure and environmental stewardship can grow side by side.
Sep 1, 2026 | Safety and Security
Get prepared with our Emergency Preparedness Guide.
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to think about how we can protect ourselves, our families and our communities when unexpected emergencies happen. Whether it’s a severe storm, a power outage or another type of emergency, being prepared can make all the difference.
At PPL Electric, preparedness is something we focus on all year long. We strengthen and modernize the energy grid, monitor the health of the electric system, use technology to identify needed repairs and invest in smart grid technology that can automatically reroute power around trouble spots. We also closely monitor weather forecasts and prepare additional crews and resources when severe weather is expected so we can respond safely and efficiently when outages occur.
We work year-round to prepare for storms and emergencies, and we encourage our customers to do the same. National Preparedness Month is the perfect reminder to review your plans, refresh your supplies and make sure you know how to stay informed.
Create an Emergency Plan
One of the most important things you can do before an emergency is create a plan. When a storm or power outage happens, it’s much easier to stay calm and focused if you’ve already thought through what your family will do. Knowing where to go, who to contact and what supplies you’ll need can help keep everyone safe.
Start by talking with your family about different scenarios, such as severe weather, extended power outages or other emergencies. Identify a meeting place, make sure everyone knows how to contact one another and practice your plan regularly.
As you build your plan, ask yourself:
- Does everyone know who to contact if an emergency happens while family members are in different locations?
- Does everyone know where to meet if communication is difficult?
- Have you planned for the needs of children, pets or family members with medical conditions?
- Do you have enough supplies to get through several days if services are disrupted?
- Does everyone know where to find emergency information and updates?
It’s also a good idea to keep a paper copy of important contacts. If your phone battery dies or cell service is unavailable, you’ll still have access to the numbers you need.
Even if your family already has an emergency plan, September is a great time to review it and make sure it still meets your current needs. Families change, and your preparedness plan should change with them.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can help your family stay safe and comfortable during an emergency. Experts recommend having enough supplies to last at least three days.
Your emergency kit should include:
Food and Water
Store enough non-perishable food and water for every member of your household. Foods such as canned goods, granola bars and other shelf-stable items work well. Don’t forget a manual can opener if you’re storing canned food. Plan for approximately one gallon of water per person per day.
Flashlights and Batteries
Keep flashlights available throughout your home along with extra batteries. Flashlights are a much safer option than candles, which can create a fire hazard during a power outage.
First Aid and Medications
Include a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic supplies and any prescription medications your family may need. You may also want to keep common over-the-counter medicines on hand.
Communication Tools
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you receive important news and weather updates if internet or cellular service is limited. A portable phone charger is also a valuable addition to any emergency kit.
Clothing and Comfort Items
Pack blankets, warm clothing and other seasonal items that may be needed if temperatures change. Emergencies can happen at any time of year, so plan accordingly.
Hygiene and Personal Care Items
Include basic hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Families with infants or young children should also pack diapers and baby wipes.
Important Documents
Store copies of important documents, insurance information and emergency contact lists in a waterproof container. Having quick access to these documents can be extremely helpful during an emergency.
Once your kit is assembled, place everything in a sturdy container and store it somewhere that is easy to access. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is located.
Stay Informed and Stay Connected
During an emergency, information is one of your most important tools. Staying informed can help you make good decisions, stay safe and know what to expect.
Before severe weather arrives, sign up for local emergency alerts and pay close attention to weather forecasts. Charge phones and other devices and keep backup charging options available.
PPL Electric customers can also stay connected in several ways:
- Report outages online at pplelectric.com, via the PPL Electric mobile app or by texting “Outage” to TXTPPL (898775).
- Follow PPL Electric on social media for storm preparation, outage and restoration updates.
It’s also a good idea to keep a battery-powered radio nearby and maintain a written list of important phone numbers in case electronic devices become unavailable.
Preparedness Starts Today
Emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient. That’s why National Preparedness Month serves as an important reminder to take simple steps today that can make a big difference tomorrow — create an emergency plan, build an emergency kit and stay informed.
Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about being ready for the unexpected. The more prepared you are today, the more confident and resilient you’ll be when challenges arise.
Aug 24, 2026 | Safety and Security
The start of a new school year brings plenty of excitement, along with new routines and busy schedules.
Whether you’re helping a child get ready for school, sending a student off to college or simply sharing the road with school buses again, now is the perfect time to brush up on a few important safety reminders.
Check your chargers and devices
Laptops, tablets, smartphones and other electronics have become essential tools for students of all ages. Before the school year begins, take a few minutes to inspect charging cords and devices for signs of wear.
Replace frayed or damaged cords, use manufacturer-approved chargers whenever possible and avoid charging devices on beds, couches or other soft surfaces that can trap heat.
Create a safe study space
Many students spend hours completing homework, attending virtual lessons or studying online. A safe study space can help prevent electrical hazards and distractions.
Avoid overloading outlets and power strips, keep cords organized and make sure electronics have plenty of space for airflow. These small steps can help keep devices operating safely throughout the year.
Have a conversation about electrical safety
Back-to-school season is also a good opportunity to talk with children about electrical safety.
Remind them to stay away from downed power lines, substations and other electrical equipment. If they ever see a downed wire, they should stay far away and tell an adult immediately.
Don’t forget about college move-in safety
For many families, August means helping a student move into a dorm room or apartment.
As electronics, appliances and school supplies make their way into a new space, it’s important to avoid overloading outlets and power strips. Extension cords should never be run under rugs or across walkways, and damaged electrical equipment should be reported right away.
Establishing safe habits at the beginning of the semester can help students avoid problems later on.
Stay alert on the road
The start of the school year brings more students to sidewalks, bus stops and crosswalks.
Drivers should slow down in school zones, watch for pedestrians and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Taking a little extra care during busy morning and afternoon hours can help keep students, families and communities safe.
Start the school year on a safe note
Back-to-school preparation involves more than notebooks, backpacks and class schedules. Taking a few minutes to review safety habits at home, on campus and on the road can help protect the people who matter most.
From the first day of school to the last, simple safety can make a big difference.
Aug 11, 2026 | Reliability
When the lights come on with the flip of a switch, most people don’t think about the miles of equipment working behind the scenes to deliver electricity safely and reliably – 47,000 miles to be exact. We’re making significant investments across our service territory to strengthen that system and help reduce outages, especially during severe weather.
Why we’re making these improvements
Pennsylvania experiences its share of challenging weather. Strong winds, lightning, ice, heavy rain and falling trees can damage electric equipment and cause power outages. That’s why we’re strengthening our electric grid to make it more resilient and easier to restore when storms occur.
Our goal is simple: provide more reliable electric service for the customers and communities we serve by reducing outages, limit the number of customers affected and restore power faster when an outage does occur.
What we’re doing
Across central and eastern Pennsylvania, we’re making targeted improvements to the electric system that delivers power to homes and businesses. Depending on the needs of each community, this work may include:
- Installing smarter technology: We’re expanding smart grid technology to quickly detect problems, isolate outages and reroute electricity when possible. In some cases, power can be restored in under 5 minutes.
- Upgrading poles, wires and equipment: Older equipment is being replaced with stronger, more modern materials designed to better withstand high winds, ice and other severe weather conditions.
- Creating more flexibility in the grid: We’re adding connections between power lines so electricity can be rerouted during outages. This can reduce the number of customers affected when problems occur.
- Placing some lines underground: In locations where it makes sense, we’re moving certain overhead power lines underground. This can help reduce storm-related damage and improve reliability in those areas.
- Improving access to electric equipment: We’re relocating some equipment to safer, easier-to-reach areas. This can help crews restore power more safely and efficiently when outages occur.
What you may see
As this work moves forward, customers may notice utility crews and specialized equipment working along roads or within utility rights-of-way. Temporary traffic controls, signs or work zones may also be present. In some areas, customers may see upgrades to poles, wires or underground equipment.
We’ll continue working to minimize impacts on local communities and the environment while completing this important work as safely and efficiently as possible.
How these investments benefit you
These projects are designed to deliver long-term value by:
- Improving everyday reliability
- Helping prevent outages during severe weather
- Reducing the number of customers affected when outages occur
- Restoring power more quickly after storms
- Supporting future growth and development across our region
Reliable electricity powers nearly every aspect of our daily lives. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in a stronger, smarter and more resilient electric grid.
These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to deliver safe, reliable service today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. Learn more about our reliability work.
