Pennsylvania utility PPL Electric is accelerating its grid modernisation programme in the face of rising maintenance and operating costs. The utility is also facing increasing disruption from increasing storm frequency. PPL is increasing capital investment to extend smart grid intelligence and automation to build a more resilient grid.

The company is seeking to commit an additional 8.6% of its revenue to a grid capital modernisation programme, and has filed a regulatory request to raise additional revenue in line with this target.

The investment is aimed at strengthening and modernising the company’s electric grid to better withstand severe weather events, minimise outages and protect against evolving cyber threats. This includes implementing next-generation smart grid technologies such as advanced automation to accelerate restoration times and reduce outages, and data analytics to inform smarter business decisions to deliver greater value for customers.

PPL reports that its investments to date in advanced smart grid technology has already helped avoid more than 3 million outages.

“To continue providing our customers with safe and reliable electric service, we need to make important investments in our system,” said Christine Martin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “With nearly 47,000 miles of distribution lines, 1 million poles, hundreds of substations, and thousands of pieces of equipment, costs are rising to maintain and upgrade these essential services. We’re requesting a rate adjustment to support these necessary improvements and help ensure power stays on, especially as severe weather becomes more common.”

“In recent years, we have faced record-breaking storms in frequency and intensity,” said Martin. “Thanks to our investments in a more resilient electric grid — like stronger infrastructure, enhanced vegetation management and advanced automation — our customers are experiencing fewer outages. We’re proud to have prevented more than half a million power outages so far this year, but we know our work is not done. These necessary investments are vital to power the lives and communities we serve, and we’re committed to keeping the lights on, continuing to operate as efficiently as possible and finding better ways to serve our customers every day.”