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PPL : Rhode Island Energy completes $2.7 million reliability upgrade in Cumberland
PPL : Rhode Island Energy completes $2.7 million reliability upgrade in
About this update from Ppl Corporation
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (August 31, 2026) - Rhode Island Energy (RIE) completed a $2.7 million electric system reliability improvement project in Cumberland to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages for about 2,300 customers. Crews upgraded approximately 1.2 miles of electric distribution line, replacing the existing outdated cable. Crews also installed approximately 0.7 miles of new cable and created a new connection between other electric feeds, giving the system additional flexibility and enhancing long-term reliability to serve customers. The newly installed line serves a section of customers who have historically experienced three to four outages each year, primarily due to tree-related outages. RIE expects the completed improvements to reduce outage frequency by 20% and outage duration by 25%. "Reliable and safe power is essential to our customers and communities, and projects like this are an important part of strengthening the system," said Michele Leone, Chief Operating Officer at Rhode Island Energy. "By upgrading equipment and creating more flexibility within the local network, we expect to reduce the number and length of outages for customers served by this newly installed line." The Cumberland project is part of RIE's work to modernize its electric system, enhance reliability and safety, reduce the number of customers impacted by outages, and restore service faster when interruptions occur. "This investment directly addresses a history of tree-related interruptions on the line," said Leone. "It is one example of how we are targeting improvements in areas where they can provide meaningful reliability benefits for our customers." About Rhode Island Energy Rhode Island Energy provides essential energy services to over 770,000 customers across Rhode Island through the delivery of electricity and natural gas. Our team of more than 1,300 employees is dedicated to helping Rhode Island customers and communities thrive, while supporting the transition to a cleaner energy future. Rhode Island Energy is part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient, and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. For more information visit www.RIEnergy.com and stay connected on Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook , and X . For further information: Michael Dalo, 401.799.7000, [email protected] or Caroline Pretyman, 401.799.7000, [email protected]