PPL Electric Utilities received the 2019 Achievement Award on Oct. 11 from the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies for its innovative technology that safely and automatically cuts power to downed power lines.

During a windstorm in late February 2019, PPL recorded the first successful operation of the new system, powering off a line that came down in a remote, wooded area. By the end of this year, PPL expects to have the new technology in place in about 1,500 locations across its service territory, wherever protective relays are involved.

Police officers, firefighters and other first responders can often be the first to encounter downed lines after motor vehicle accidents or during storms. This new tool will enhance the safety of power grid operations, keeping first responders and PPL line workers safer.

Building upon Schweitzer Electric Laboratories ArcSense downed wire detection technology already on its system, PPL engineers developed an algorithm that worked with ArcSense to safely and automatically cut power to that downed wire. PPL is currently patenting the automatic power-cutting technology.

The AEIC Achievement Awards are presented annually to an individual or groups of individuals from AEIC member companies who have clearly provided significant contributions to advancing the operations of the electric energy industry.