Frequently asked questions

How much will the smart grid project in Harrisburg cost?
$38 million.

How much will be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy grant?
 $19 million.

When is the smart grid coming to my area?
Our first pilot smart grid project is in the Harrisburg suburbs. It is expected be fully online at the end of June 2012. Following that, we will begin work on a second smart grid project in Monroe County, Pa., in 2013.

We anticipate installing smart grid technology in about half our service area over the next five to six years. Stay tuned for more smart grid development announcements.

Will this first project benefit customers beyond the Harrisburg area?
Yes. The new centralized computer system and software will monitor ever-changing system conditions, collect information from sensors, relays and electronic switches on other parts of the company’s 29-county delivery system, and make decisions to more effectively manage outages. This will help to speed power restoration across the entire delivery system.

In addition, while the new system won’t be able to manage switching devices beyond the 150-square-mile project area, it will calculate the best switching steps for system operators to take throughout the delivery system, saving valuable time in responding to trouble. 

Why did you pick the Harrisburg area?
The project area we’ve selected is a suburban area with many customers. That lets us improve reliability for a large number of customers. In addition, the area is flat, which is ideal for the wireless, high-speed communications network that will be installed.

Will this project create new jobs?
The project will create or retain construction and engineering jobs.

Will this involve installing any new power lines?
No.

How will this project save energy?
It will enable us to move power more efficiently and to optimize the voltages on our power lines.

We will actually be able to operate some portions of our delivery system at lower voltages than we otherwise would. As a result, customers’ appliances would use less electricity to do the same job. The difference would not affect appliance performance. We expect these efficiency gains will result in less electricity use by customers in the project area.

When will the Harrisburg project be fully online?
We expect to complete all improvements by mid-2012.

What is the timeline for the Poconos project?
Engineering should be complete by the end of 2012, and field work will be completed in 2013.

What area in the Poconos will be upgraded with smart grid technology?
We will be installing devices throughout Monroe County, benefiting about 70,000 customers.