PPL Electric Utilities Corporation Case Study

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (PPL) provides electricity to 1.4 million customers across central and eastern Pennsylvania. Having installed smart meters and other advanced technologies over the last several years, PPL has experience with operating smart grid systems and achieving operational improvements. To further improve quality of service for its customers, PPL is implementing a $38 million Smart Grid Investment Grant, which includes $19 million in Recovery Act funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). PPL is installing a distribution management system (DMS), distribution automation (DA) devices, and supporting communication systems in a pilot program in the Harrisburg area. DOE’s assistance has been crucial for the project. “Without the funding, we would have waited to let the technology mature in the industry,” says Mike Godorov, manager of PPL’s smart grid project. “We would have deployed the technology at a slower pace, which would have delayed the benefits to our customers.”

PPL_Case Study_electric_utilities_SGIG.pdf