News Releases

About 6,000 residents of Benton, Hughesville and Millville in Columbia and Lycoming counties will see improved electric reliability and fewer outages when PPL Electric Utilities finishes improvements to the local distribution network.

After years of planning, the company is investing more than $4.5 million to upgrade a pair of substations, as well as the distribution line that serves the area. Construction starts this fall and should finish next May.

“We’re very pleased to begin this project that will benefit our local customers with better service. We’re always reviewing our performance and looking for ways to improve reliability. This is a significant investment, and this work over the next several months will make a difference,” said Frank Gaida, regional operations director for PPL Electric Utilities.

PPL Electric Utilities is breaking a single distribution line into separate circuits, and adding automated switches that will help it reroute power in case an outage occurs. That will reduce the frequency and length of power outages for affected customers. Fault indicators, devices that make it easier for crews to pinpoint problems, are being installed as well.

The line is also being moved to make it more accessible. About 10 miles of line is affected by the work.

The local project is part of ongoing network investment by PPL Electric Utilities throughout its 29-county service area. The company expects to spend $3.4 billion over the next five years to strengthen its transmission and distribution systems and replace aging equipment.  For more information on the utility’s reliability programs, major projects and system improvements, visit www.pplreliablepower.com. 

PPL Electric Utilities, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation that provides electricity delivery services to about 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania, has consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. More information is available at www.pplelectric.com.