PPL Energizes New So. Lehigh Power Line

PPL Electric Utilities announced Friday that it has energized a new $15 million transmission line in Bucks and Lehigh counties, "improving the reliability of electric service for 50,000 homes and businesses throughout the region."

The new 6.6-mile Coopersburg-Quakertown transmission line was built in Springfield and Richland townships in Bucks County and Upper Saucon Township in Lehigh County, and will serve customers in West Rockhill, Richland, Upper Saucon, Springfield, Bethlehem, Lower Saucon and Salisbury townships, as well as the boroughs of Quakertown, Perkasie and Coopersburg, according to a news release from the company.

"We are making needed investments in infrastructure so our customers can continue to enjoy reliable and safe electric service,” PPL’s Transmission and Substations vice president Stephanie Raymond said. “These new facilities—as well as the increased tree clearing we are doing along our lines—will have a huge benefit for our customers.”

Raymond said the new line will allow PPL to reroute power more quickly—including during storms like Hurricane Sandy—reducing the number and duration of power outages. 

A new, $24 million electrical substation also is part of the project, according to the news release.

The Hickon Road, Springfield Township substation is expected to go online around the end of this year, PPL said.

Earlier this week, PPL touted a planned power line project along Lanark Road in Upper Saucon Township, which it said will help improve the reliability of service for Southern Lehigh area customers.