The utility company participates in a regional consortium of companies that help each other when severe storms or other emergency events occur, according to a news release.
After convening in Harrisburg, 33 PPL employees went to Williamsport, Md., to help First Energy with storm response efforts, the release says. The employees prepared for the possibility of several days away from home because the extent of reported damage and the number of customers without power, the release says.
In addition, more than 150 workers for several PPL contractors were released to support utilities in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia where early Saturday storms left extensive tree and power line damage, according to the release.
PPL participates in a Mid-Atlantic consortium of electric utility companies that support each other when severe storms or other emergency events occur that require assistance to expedite restoration of service to affected customers, the release says.
"We were fortunate to receive significant assistance from utilities in other states during the severe storms we experienced last year, particularly Hurricane Irene and the late October snowstorm," said Gregory Dudkin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. "Hundreds of utility workers helped us on those occasions, and I know how much their work was appreciated by our customers during those unusual events. With our dedicated employees and contractors, we are pleased to return the favor and help restore power to so many who rely upon it during this heat wave."
Dudkin said his company will remain focused on local weather conditions, demand for power, and potential storms in its service area to serve customers well with the excessive heat wave expected to continue through much of the Fourth of July holiday week.