Building a Stronger Electric Grid for the Future

Building a Stronger Electric Grid for the Future

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.

Empowering accessibility and belonging at Camp Victory

Empowering accessibility and belonging at Camp Victory

The PPL Foundation empowers communities by supporting the important work of nonprofit organizations that improve lives. Through the foundation, $1 million in grants was awarded to hundreds of organizations throughout our 29-county territory in 2025. 

Camp Victory is an organization that received an Empowering Communities grant in 2025. It’s more than just a summer camp. Camp Victory is a place where kids can feel like they truly belong. The camp works with partner programs to create a safe, fun experience for children with special needs, giving them opportunities they might not find anywhere else.  

For many campers, Camp Victory is life-changing.  

“A lot of our campers… might be the only one in their school or family who has that disability,” said Kate Stepnick, Executive Director of Camp Victory. “But when they get to Camp Victory, everybody has the same disability or diagnosis.”  

That sense of belonging helps kids build confidence, friendships and lasting memories. In addition to running the camp, Stepnick is also a former camper. 

“I started coming in 1996 to Camp JRA, which is a camp for kids with arthritis,” Stepnick said. “For me, it was the one week of the year that I really felt a part of something and belonged.” 

We are proud to support Camp Victory and the unique programs it offers. Through the PPL Foundation, the company provides funding that helps the camp grow and reach more children. These programs include specialized camps for different medical needs, outdoor activities like biking and paddle boating, and even environmental education. 

PPL’s support also helps ensure the camp can meet the complex medical needs of its campers. From trained staff to accessible equipment, everything is designed so kids can safely enjoy the outdoors.  

“Camp Victory is a really special place,” said Jonah Howe, Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities. “The opportunities they provide here are special in the ways they really accommodate different medical needs that other organizations just can’t do.”  

The partnership between PPL and Camp Victory is built on shared values like community, education, and care for others. By working together, they are helping children experience something every kid deserves — a chance to have fun, feel included and just be themselves. 

“What I love most is seeing the kids smile,” Howe said. “I understand that they’re managing different chronic illnesses that don’t give them the opportunity to do that, and here at the camp…they can experience nature and just enjoy their time here.” 

Lineworker Appreciation Day: Recognizing the crews behind a historic restoration effort

Lineworker Appreciation Day: Recognizing the crews behind a historic restoration effort

When severe storms moved through our service territory over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, they left behind widespread damage and more than 260,000 customer outages. 

What followed was one of the largest restoration efforts in PPL Electric’s history. 

As we observe Lineworker Appreciation Day on July 10, we want to recognize the thousands of employees, contractors and mutual assistance personnel who worked around the clock to restore power safely and efficiently to the communities we serve. 

While customers often see the bucket trucks and crews making repairs in their neighborhoods, the restoration effort extends far beyond what happens along roadsides and in backyards. Lineworkers worked alongside forestry crews, damage assessors, logistics specialists, dispatchers, mechanics, safety professionals and many others to coordinate a complex response across our service territory. 

More than 3,000 personnel supported restoration efforts during this event, making it the largest restoration workforce PPL Electric has assembled since Hurricane Sandy. 

Crews repaired broken poles, replaced damaged equipment, rebuilt sections of power lines and navigated challenging conditions to bring customers back online. At the same time, support teams coordinated staging areas, delivered materials, assessed damage and worked to ensure crews had the resources needed to perform their jobs safely. 

We are especially grateful to the mutual assistance crews who traveled from across the United States and Canada to help our communities recover. Their willingness to leave home and support customers they have never met reflects the strong partnership that exists across the electric industry. 

Restoration work can be demanding, requiring long hours, specialized skills and an unwavering commitment to safety. During major storm events, lineworkers and support personnel often work day and night until every customer who can be restored is restored. 

As this restoration effort comes to a close, we want to thank every member of the team who played a role in helping our customers recover. 

On Lineworker Appreciation Day — and every day — we recognize and appreciate the dedication, professionalism and service of the men and women who help keep the lights on and respond when our communities need them most. 

Thank you, lineworkers. 

Stay safe and cool when extreme heat hits

Stay safe and cool when extreme heat hits

Extreme heat can be more than just uncomfortable — it can affect your health, increase your energy use and make it harder to stay cool at home. It’s also a time when the electric system is working harder to meet increased demand, and we know that’s when you rely on us most. That’s why we’re working behind the scenes to keep power flowing while helping you stay prepared. 

As temperatures rise, air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances work overtime to keep you comfortable. These devices often run longer and work harder during extreme heat, driving up electricity use across the region. 

At the same time, extreme heat can pose real health risks. Health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), say air conditioning is one of the most effective ways to prevent heat-related illnesses. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spending time in cooler places like shopping malls, libraries or community cooling centers can help you stay safe. 

While at home, a few simple steps can help you stay comfortable and use energy wisely:

  • Block the sun: Close blinds and curtains during the day.
  • Limit indoor heat: Avoid using ovens, dryers and dishwashers at times of peak heat.
  • Fans cool people, not rooms: Run ceiling and portable fans only in occupied rooms. 

Staying safe during extreme heat is just as important as staying comfortable:

  • Drink fluids often.
  • Wear light, breathable clothing.
  • Take breaks in cool spaces.
  • Check on neighbors and loved ones. 

If you feel dizziness, nausea or unusual fatigue, take it seriously, find ways to cool down right away or seek medical attention. 

What we’re doing to keep your power reliable 

While you’re focused on staying cool, we’re focused on keeping your power reliable. Extreme heat and higher electricity use can put added stress on equipment, which is why we prepare year-round. Our teams replace aging equipment, trim trees and install advanced technology like Smart Grid devices to strengthen the system. 

During heat waves, we closely monitor the grid and use real-time data to spot and address issues early. And, if an outage occurs, our crews are ready around the clock to respond safely and restore service as quickly as possible. 

We’re here with you 

Extreme heat can be dangerous, but you don’t have to face it alone. By taking a few simple steps, you can stay safe, manage your energy use and look out for those around you. 

We’re committed to strengthening the system and supporting our customers when it matters most — so you can feel confident knowing we’ve got your back when temperatures rise.

Start summer safely: Avoid outdoor electrical dangers

Start summer safely: Avoid outdoor electrical dangers

With warmer weather on the way, many people are heading outside to tackle yard projects, enjoy time with family and make the most of the summer season. As outdoor activity ramps up, PPL Electric Utilities is reminding you to stay aware of potential electrical dangers around their homes. 

Safety is more than a commitment at PPL Electric Utilities — it’s a core value that guides everything the company does. That includes helping you recognize risks and take simple steps to stay safe near power lines and electrical equipment.  

As you prepare your yard or start outdoor projects, it’s important to look above and below: 

  • Overhead power lines can pose a serious hazard if ladders, tools or equipment come too close.  
  • Always keep yourself and anything you’re using at least 10 feet away from power lines and carry ladders parallel to the ground to avoid accidental contact.  

Planning to dig? Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence or starting a landscaping project, always call 811 at least three business days in advance. This free service helps identify underground utility lines and can prevent serious injuries and costly damage.  

You should also be cautious around electrical equipment in the yard: 

  • Keep areas clear around pad-mounted transformers, avoid contact with equipment and keep children and pets away. 
  • Don’t use electrical equipment or extension cords in rainy or wet conditions. 
  • Check all outdoor outlets and install waterproof covers. 

Most importantly, if you ever see a downed power line, stay far away and assume it is energized. Keep people and pets at least 100 feet back and, if you see a downed wire, report it immediately to PPL Electric by calling 1-800-342-5775 and say “downed power line.” 

As summer approaches, a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping outdoor activities safe. By staying alert and informed, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer — without the risk.