PPL Electric Utilities Launches Line Rating Technology To Improve Reliability

PPL Electric Utilities has incorporated Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) technology into real-time and market operations.

DLR allows PPL Electric to get more accurate, real-time ratings to better monitor and manage congestion. The sensors installed on transmission lines capture data that is used to calculate wind speed, ambient temperature and the temperature of conductors.

The information from the sensors is not only used to increase the amount of electricity delivered over transmission lines when required but also decrease congestion and improve reliability. The technology has allowed PPL to eliminate or defer transmission line upgrades and additions, thereby allowing the company to manage costs and invest in other projects designed to improve system reliability.

"Having real-time measurements allows PPL to optimize performance on transmission lines and make better informed decisions about the need for improvements to those lines," said PPL Electric Utilities Director of Asset Management, Joe Lookup. "The end result is lower generation costs and better reliability for customers."

PPL Electric was recognized Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and Southeastern Electric Exchange (S.E.E.) for its use of DLR. While EEI honored PPL with its 2023 Edison Award, S.E.E. awarded the utility firm with an Industry Excellence Award for the transmission line innovation.