We’re investing and upgrading the transmission system to deliver the electricity that supports the growth of Luzerne County.
- This project is necessary to help protect the electric grid from extreme weather, reduce outages and enable renewable energy interconnections — ensuring that you continue to receive reliable, affordable energy.
- It will enable us to meet the existing and rapidly growing demand for power by new businesses in Luzerne County and the surrounding area.
- The project uses an existing right-of-way corridor, making it the best path available for this project.
What Work Will Occur
Construction will include the installation of environmental controls, access roads and new steel transmission structures in the expanded existing right-of-way. This project will not require outages on our distribution system.
Project Schedule
Beginning in 2026, the proposed transmission structures will be constructed within the expanded existing right-of-way corridor to support a 2027 completion date.
Proposed Route
The route, which uses an existing right-of-way, was chosen after careful evaluation to minimize disruption to the community and environment. Other options would have significantly larger impacts.
Please read frequently asked questions about the project below. If you don’t see your question here, please review our FAQs document.
Still have a question? Reach out to us via email: SugarloafProject@pplweb.com.
Why is this project needed?
The new facilities and transmission lines are needed to provide additional power to the area to support existing and future load growth serving business investments in Luzerne County. This proposed project will allow us to meet the growing demand for power in the region while enhancing reliability and ensuring that our system still delivers reliable power to customers in this region and beyond.
What townships will the transmission line run through?
The new transmission lines will be constructed in Nescopeck, Black Creek, Sugarloaf and Hazle Townships in Luzerne County.
Will my power need to be turned off for this work?
No. The project will not require outages on our distribution system, which provides electricity to residents and local businesses.
What does the construction process include?
Construction will include installation of environmental controls and access roads, making space for the new right-of-way which could involve removing trees, and installation of new steel transmission structures. Construction will also involve creating temporary work pads and pull pads, which will be used to install the new conductors. Any disturbed areas will be restored upon completion of the project.
When will this project be built?
We anticipate the entire construction process for the transmission lines and switchyards will require approximately a year and a half. With a proposed start date of spring 2026 and completion by fall 2027.
Will this project use existing right-of-way?
Yes. The new transmission line will use an already existing right-of-way corridor that will be expanded. PPL Electric is working with landowners to purchase the necessary easements to expand the existing 100-foot-wide right-of-way corridor to 200 feet.
Will this project affect my property value?
Residents who expand the right-of-way width of existing easements will be fairly compensated. We have no evidence that there is a long-term effect on property values from a project like this. Additionally, this project, in part, utilizes an existing transmission line corridor.
Will the project have any effect on health?
Current scientific evidence reveals no health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields (EMF), which are produced by things like appliances, wiring found in homes and power lines. More information, including links to studies by outside agencies, can be seen on our website at pplelectric.com/emf and on the EMF Fact Sheet.
