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Although its expected arrival on the U.S. mainland is still several days away, and its potential effects on eastern and central Pennsylvania are unclear, Hurricane Isabel has the full attention of PPL Electric Utilities, which has begun preparations for this powerful storm.

"We began to get ready for Isabel late last week with assessments of available staffing, material and supplies we need to respond to a major storm," said Robert S. Gombos, vice president of Field Services for PPL Electric Utilities.

"If we are in Isabel's path, we want to make sure we are ready ahead of time to respond to customers, and repair or rebuild damaged wires, poles and equipment," he added.

PPL Electric Utilities already has made arrangements with contractors to provide additional labor should it be necessary, and has been in contact with other utilities as part of a regional effort to coordinate planning for Isabel.

"Utilities throughout the mid-Atlantic region are working together so that wherever the hurricane hits, support will be available in the areas where it is needed," Gombos said.

PPL Electric Utilities was instrumental in forming the regional mutual assistance group, and is drawing on its experience from other major storms in the recent past -- including Hurricane Floyd (1999) and the Christmas Day ice storm (2002) -- to get ready for Isabel.

Activities such as arranging for material and crew staging areas, arranging to have helicopters available if they are needed to assess storm damage from the air, and verifying that each field office has sufficient supplies are key elements in PPL Electric Utilities' readiness plan.

The company also is supporting preparations being made by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

PPL Electric Utilities provides electric delivery service to 1.3 million homes and businesses in 29 counties of eastern and central Pennsylvania.

PPL Electric Utilities Corporation is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation controls about 11,500 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom and Latin America.

SOURCE: PPL Electric Utilities

CONTACT: George Lewis, PPL Corporation, +1-610-774-5997, or fax,
+1-610-774-5281

Web site: http://www.pplweb.com/