PPL Electric Utilities wins industry award for innovative distribution technology that predicts equipment issues before they become a problem

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PPL Electric Utilities has been awarded the 2025 SEPA Power Player Resilience Award for implementing innovative predictive failure technology to enhance grid safety and reliability. The utility has successfully integrated the Early Fault Detection (EFD) system, which uses radio frequency sensors to proactively identify failing electrical components before they cause outages.

The technology continuously monitors power lines for abnormal signals caused by deteriorating equipment and vegetation interference. Since deployment, PPL Electric has detected hundreds of hidden infrastructure issues, preventing potential outages for hundreds of thousands of customers. By 2028, the company plans to install over 9,000 RF sensors across more than 8,000 miles of distribution lines in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

PPL Electric serves nearly 1.5 million customers and consistently ranks among the top utilities for reliability and customer satisfaction. This implementation aligns with their commitment to safety, reliability, and operational efficiency while reducing costly unplanned maintenance work.

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honors eastern Pennsylvania utility for improving safety, reliability and efficiency of the electric grid

ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Electric Utilities has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) Power Player Resilience Award for its innovative use of predictive failure technology to enhance public safety, improve reliability and drive operational efficiencies.

The SEPA Power Player Awards honor organizations leading the transition to a clean, resilient and modern energy future. PPL Electric was selected for its successful integration of IND Technology's Early Fault Detection (EFD) system — also known as predictive failure technology — which proactively identifies failing electrical components before they cause power outages or safety hazards on the electric grid.

"Our commitment to safety, reliability and innovation is at the core of everything we do," said PPL Electric Utilities President Christine Martin. "This award is a testament to the forward-thinking solutions we're implementing to provide our customers with safer, more reliable service while optimizing efficiency."

PPL Electric's implementation of the EFD technology uses radio frequency (RF) sensors to continuously monitor power lines and detect abnormal signals caused by deteriorating equipment, vegetation interference and other potential failure points. By identifying these issues before they escalate into outages, PPL Electric can take proactive maintenance actions — reducing service interruptions and improving safety for both customers and utility workers alike.

Since the initial deployment of EFD technology, PPL Electric has identified hundreds of hidden infrastructure issues, by which resolving will improve reliability and prevent outages for hundreds of thousands of customers. The technology also enables crews to perform repairs before emergencies occur, reducing costly unplanned work which drives efficiency and enhances overall grid resilience.

By the end of 2028, PPL Electric plans to have over 9,000 RF sensors installed across more than 8,000 miles of distribution lines in eastern and central Pennsylvania. These efforts are expected to generate operational savings while continuing to improve safety and service reliability.

For more information about PPL Electric's efforts to enhance grid resilience and customer reliability, visit pplelectric.com/reliability. 

About PPL Electric Utilities
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to nearly 1.5 million homes and businesses in eastern and central Pennsylvania. It regularly ranks among the country's best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction. PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. It is a part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies. Visit pplelectric.com or connect on social media via Facebook, X and Instagram for energy efficiency tips, bill help information, guidance on shopping for an electricity supplier, storm updates and more.

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.

Contact:	For news media: Dana Burns, 610-774-5409, DNBurns@pplweb.com
	PPL Electric Utilities

 

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SOURCE PPL Electric Utilities

FAQ

What technology did PPL Electric Utilities win the 2025 SEPA award for?

PPL Electric won the 2025 SEPA Power Player Resilience Award for implementing the Early Fault Detection (EFD) system, which uses RF sensors to predict and prevent equipment failures before they cause outages.

How many RF sensors will PPL Electric install by 2028?

PPL Electric plans to install over 9,000 RF sensors across more than 8,000 miles of distribution lines in eastern and central Pennsylvania by 2028.

What are the benefits of PPL's Early Fault Detection system for customers?

The EFD system improves safety, prevents power outages, enables proactive maintenance, and enhances service reliability for customers by identifying potential equipment failures before they occur.

How many customers does PPL Electric Utilities serve in Pennsylvania?

PPL Electric Utilities delivers electricity to nearly 1.5 million homes and businesses in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

What specific issues can PPL's RF sensors detect on power lines?

The RF sensors detect abnormal signals caused by deteriorating equipment, vegetation interference, and other potential failure points on power lines.