PPL is selected for up to $71.5 million in transmission-upgrade funding

PPL Electric Utilities ($PPL) was selected for up to $71.5 million in US Department of Energy funding for its Montour transmission-modernization project. The proposed work would rebuild approximately 29.3 miles of an existing 230-kilovolt corridor in Pennsylvania. It combines advanced conductors with expanded fiber infrastructure to increase available capacity and improve monitoring of the power network.

The project is intended to make greater use of existing transmission routes rather than construct an entirely new corridor. PPL plans to demonstrate acoustic-sensing technology using the fiber network as part of the upgrade. Funding terms still require negotiation and finalization with the department. Selection therefore is not the same as receiving the full grant, and the release does not establish completed construction or realized customer savings.

Sources:

• PPL Electric Utilities — proposed project and grant selection