PPL Electric Utilities selects route for new Richfield-Dalmatia power line

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Project will ensure safe, reliable electric supply in Northumberland, Snyder and Juniata counties

PPL Electric Utilities on Thursday (3/11) announced the route for a new 69-kilovolt power line and the location of a new substation to improve service for customers in Northumberland, Snyder and Juniata counties.

The work is needed to strengthen the transmission and distribution systems in the area of the Susquehanna Valley between Richfield and Dalmatia.

“The project is indicative of our ongoing commitment to all of our customers to ensure a safe and reliable supply of electricity so vital to our everyday lives,” said David E. Schleicher, vice president of Transmission for PPL Electric Utilities. “Customers in this region have experienced a high number of power outages, and this new line and substation will help alleviate that problem.”

Three possible routes for the 11- to 12-mile power line were announced late last year and open houses were held in early December to get public input.

“Based on that feedback, and based on our continuing studies of the area, we selected a slightly modified version of one of the three potential routes,” Schleicher said. “It represents the best balance of several critical factors, including environmental impact, visibility and impact on people, cost and operational issues.”

The new power line will connect an existing line east of Dalmatia in Northumberland County to another existing line near the Richfield area in Snyder and Juniata counties. The line, a slightly modified version of a route formerly identified as Route A, will cross the Susquehanna River in a single span in an area about two miles south of Dalmatia.

It is the southern-most river crossing of the three routes that were studied. A new substation will be built along the new line, south of Meiserville.

Though the line route has been selected, public input remains an important part of the project.

“We understand that building new electrical facilities can raise questions, and we want to hear concerns and suggestions from area residents,” Schleicher said.

To provide information and encourage additional input, PPL Electric Utilities will host public open houses for residents at the following locations and times:
* Wednesday, March 24; 5-8 p.m. at St. Thomas Independent Brethren in Christ Church, 1170 St. Thomas Road, Mount Pleasant Mills, PA 17853.
* Thursday, March 25; 5-8 p.m. at Hickory Corners and Community Fire Co., 1124 Hickory Road, Dalmatia, PA 17017.

There is no set agenda or formal presentation for these open houses. Residents and property owners are invited to visit anytime during the scheduled hours.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) 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.

News Source : PPL Electric Utilities selects route for new Richfield-Dalmatia power line