After soliciting public input during 13 community meetings, PPL Electric Utilities has submitted the Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for approval.

The project will improve electric service for 250,000 people in northeast Pennsylvania and the Poconos. It will involve construction of three new electrical substations and a new 230-kilovolt power line.The PUC review process generally takes about one year, during which there are opportunities for additional public input. For example, the commission may schedule public input sessions for local residents in the project area.PPL said this project is needed because electricity use in the region has been increasing for decades. New homes have been built and existing homes are using more electronic devices and appliances.Another need for the project relates to the existing network of 69-kilovolt power lines in this area.The new power line will be about 58 miles long. It will connect the new electrical substations to the existing high-voltage grid.