PPL Corporation identified the need for an additional power source to improve service reliability and reduce the risk of extended outages associated with a double-circuit interruption at its Hershey substation. The new 69-kV transmission circuit extends approximately 2.3 miles between the Reese’s Candy substation and the Hershey substation.
What challenges did STV address?
Restrictions on overhead transmission lines through downtown Hershey required a closer evaluation of underground installation options. Potential routes also had to account for existing underground utilities, Chocolate Avenue, the Norfolk Southern Railway right-of-way, permitting requirements and environmental and cultural resources.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV conducted environmental investigations, conceptual engineering and permitting-related tasks. Following site visits and reviews of maps and aerial photography, the team developed three route alternatives and compared their permitting and approval requirements. STV also researched threatened and endangered species and cultural resources, prepared conceptual route maps, and coordinated constructability and installation-schedule input. Working with the project’s architect-of-record, STV subsequently provided design, permitting and construction-phase services for the selected option.
How does this project benefit the community/region/market?
The additional transmission circuit was developed to strengthen electrical service reliability while using an underground alignment responsive to restrictions on overhead infrastructure in downtown Hershey.
Key stats and accolades
- 69-kV underground transmission circuit
- Approximately 2.3 miles
- Three route alternatives evaluated
