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.

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 growth in the region. 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 all 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 this project use existing right-of-way?

The new line will utilize an existing transmission corridor that, until recently, had a transmission line in place. We have sought to widen the existing right-of-way to 200 feet to reduce the number and height of structures required for the new line. This widening is pursued in part to lessen the impact on landowners.

Has PPL Electric considered alternate paths for the transmission line?

With every transmission project, we conduct studies and analyses to determine the best possible solution to meet the demand for electricity while having the least possible impact on the natural environment and surrounding communities. After a thorough evaluation, the proposed route, which uses an already existing transmission corridor, was determined to be the most viable route that would cause the least impact to the environment and community while still delivering reliable power to all customers.

What does the construction process include?

PPL Electric plans to use existing service roads from the prior 69 kV transmission line to the extent practical to install the new facilities and structures. New access roads may also be installed as needed to support the construction and operation of the line. Typical access roads are approximately 20 feet wide, and if the company does not have permanent access road rights, it will restore the access road to its prior condition when construction is complete.

Construction will also include installation of environmental controls and trimming or 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 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.

How many homes or displacements of people are planned or necessary?

No displacements are necessary for this project. In certain circumstances, we may offer to purchase property where a fair and reasonable agreement can be reached with the landowner. As a public utility, we cannot condemn a house or reasonable curtilage (300 feet) around a house.

Is it true that property owners were offered $1 for an easement?

No one has been offered $1. This reference comes from our easement agreement which lists the consideration as “$1 and other consideration.” This is a common practice in real estate transactions as it helps protect the privacy of the buyer and seller’s negotiated price. Otherwise, anyone could search for the easement agreement in land records and know how much the landowner was paid for the easement.

We determine the value of an easement by obtaining a fair market value analysis from a certified appraiser, and then we negotiate with the property owner to reach a mutually agreeable payment. We also consider reasonable counter offers from landowners during negotiations.

What are the decibel numbers for noise from a 500 kV transmission line?

We currently utilize design standards to ensure that newly constructed or rebuilt 500 kV transmission lines are engineered to operate at or below 50 decibels (dB) at the edge of the right-of-way. This level is equivalent to a common household refrigerator, according to Yale University.

Will the project have any impact on the environment?

PPL Electric has an excellent record of building projects in a way that is extremely sensitive to environmental issues. Our track record shows that we work cooperatively with regulatory agencies, obtain all required permits and meet all environmental requirements and regulations under the terms of our permits. Once built, the transmission line involves minimal activity, and its environmental impact is minimal.

Will the project have any effect on health?

PPL Electric safely operates thousands of miles of transmission lines across its service territory, including densely populated areas. All lines are constructed in accordance with applicable safety standards.

Current scientific evidence reveals no health consequences from exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields (EMF), which are produced by things like appliances and wiring found in homes and power lines.

All herbicides are applied selectively by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture certified contractors working on the ground with hand-held equipment or with all-terrain vehicles. We will apply only products that have been approved for use on utility right-of-way by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These products have undergone significant testing to ensure that, when used according to labeled instructions, they pose no threat to you, wildlife or the environment.