Sept. 3, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
PPL Electric Utilities has been named one of America’s top utilities by Site Selection magazine.
In 2025, the utility, part of PPL Corp., “supported 20 projects representing more than $12.8 billion in capital investment and 1,775 new jobs. The projects included manufacturing, agriculture, distribution, technology and life sciences operations,” according to a statement from PPL.
PPL worked with companies including B. Braun in Lehigh County and Amazon Web Services (a data center in Luzerne County) on projects in 2025.
“By providing reliable electric service, planning for future energy needs and working closely with businesses and local partners, we are helping create the conditions for good jobs and long-term investment,” Christine Martin, president of PPL Electric Utilities, said in the press release.
Some customers aren’t happy because the utility raised its price for delivery and its default price for electricity this year, and PPL is working to bring data centers to its Pennsylvania service area. It also provides energy to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island.
Site Selection is an international publication that covers corporate real estate, facility planning and economic development
Shares of Allentown-based PPL (NYSE:PPL) traded at $35.00 at 12:47 p.m. The company has a market capitalization of $26.3 billion.
Disclosure: I own shares of PPL.
.Here’s a link to the PPL statement and below is a cut-and-paste version:
PPL Electric Utilities named a top utility for economic development
National recognition highlights work with organizations bringing jobs, investment and new opportunities to the PPL Electric Pennsylvania service territory.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (Sept. 3, 2026) – PPL Electric Utilities has been named one of the nation’s Top Utilities in Economic Development by Site Selection magazine, recognizing the company’s work with businesses, communities and economic development partners to support growth across eastern and central Pennsylvania.
The annual recognition is based on corporate facility investment and job creation within each utility’s service territory. In 2025, PPL Electric supported 20 projects representing more than $12.8 billion in capital investment and 1,775 new jobs. The projects included manufacturing, agriculture, distribution, technology and life sciences operations.
“This recognition belongs to all of our dedicated employees and partners who work every day to help our communities compete, grow and prosper,” said Christine Martin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “By providing reliable electric service, planning for future energy needs and working closely with businesses and local partners, we are helping create the conditions for good jobs and long-term investment. We are proud of the role PPL Electric plays in supporting a stronger future for the communities we serve.”
Among the businesses that completed or announced projects in PPL Electric’s service territory during 2025 were:
- B. Braun US Device Manufacturing LLC, which completed a manufacturing expansion in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.
- Hydro Extrusions North America, which completed a manufacturing expansion in Cressona, Schuylkill County.
- Espoma Organics, which completed a new fertilizer manufacturing facility in Tremont, Schuylkill County.
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, which advanced an investment in its life sciences operations.
- BlueTriton Brands Inc., which completed a distribution operation in Hanover Township, Northampton County.
- Amazon Web Services, whose operational data center campus in Salem Township marked PPL Electric’s first connection of a hyperscale data center customer to its transmission system.
Additional projects advanced during the year included investments by Clemens Food Group, EMD Electronics, Kolmar, Il Pastaio USA and FARM PLAST.
“PPL Electric Utilities’ recent national recognition highlights a fundamental truth in economic development: modern, reliable infrastructure alone isn’t enough—it takes seamless coordination across state agencies, regional partners, and local communities to turn site readiness into real economic growth. PPL Electric is a key partner with us on collaborative regional marketing, and together we are attracting quality employers and strengthening Pennsylvania’s long-term competitiveness on the national stage,” said John Augustine III, president and CEO of Penn’s Northeast.
PPL Electric’s Business and Economic Development team works with state and local organizations, site selectors, developers and prospective businesses to evaluate sites and better understand electric service needs. The company also coordinates early with its engineering and system planning teams to provide businesses with clearer information about potential service options, costs and timelines.
“Economic development is the result of a coordinated partnership among critical stakeholders, none more foundational than the timely and reliable delivery of electric energy,” said Don Cunningham, president & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. “The high-quality and cost-effective energy service of PPL Electric has been a critical part of the economic revitalization of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, making the region one of America’s top manufacturing markets.”
“Pennsylvania’s smart and sustainable economic development opportunities happen when we work as one team and PPL Electric Utilities is an integral part of that team. PPL Electric’s commitment to collaboration and investing in infrastructure and site readiness, is the foundational work that converts regional potential into real investment and strengthens Pennsylvania’s communities,” said Lauren Bryson, executive director of Focus Central Pennsylvania.
PPL Electric’s sister utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, were also recognized by Site Selection as top utilities for economic development, marking the first time both PPL’s Pennsylvania and Kentucky operations earned the distinction in the same year.
“Economic development increasingly depends on having partners who are willing to come to the table early, understand the needs of a project, and work collaboratively to find solutions. PPL Electric Utilities has consistently been that kind of partner for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC and the businesses and communities we serve,” said Ryan C. Unger, president and CEO, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. “Their responsiveness and willingness to work alongside economic development organizations, state and local partners, and prospective employers are especially valuable at a time when access to reliable utility infrastructure can determine whether transformational projects move forward. This recognition from Site Selection is well deserved and reflects the important role PPL Electric plays in strengthening the Harrisburg region and Pennsylvania’s ability to compete for investment, jobs, and long-term economic growth.”
Site Selection is an international publication covering corporate real estate, facility planning and economic development. Its Top Utilities recognition identifies utilities demonstrating strong results in supporting business investment and affiliated job creation within their service areas.
“We value our close working relationship with PPL Electric Utilities around community and economic development here in Lancaster County,” said Ezra Rothman, president of EDC Lancaster County. “The availability of reliable power is a critical factor as companies consider where to make their expansion investments, and PPL Electric continues to be an outstanding partner in supporting the needs of growing businesses and the community.”
For more information about PPL Electric’s economic development services, visit pplelectric.com/EconomicDevelopment.
About PPL Electric Utilities
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to about 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.
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