Proposed data center drives PPL transmission project in Mount Carmel
A proposed data center near Mount Carmel is driving PPL Electric Utilities’ plans for the Natalie Transmission Project, which would add about 16 miles of transmission lines and a new substation in Columbia and Northumberland counties. The project remains in early planning, with multiple potential routes under evaluation and construction tentatively scheduled for 2028 through 2031.
PPL Electric Utilities is developing the Natalie Transmission Project to provide power capacity for a proposed data center in the Mount Carmel region. The project would include approximately six miles of 230-kilovolt lines, 10 miles of 500-kilovolt lines and a new substation in Mount Carmel, with routes extending through Franklin, Catawissa, Cleveland and Conyngham townships in Columbia County and Mount Carmel in Northumberland County.
PPL is assessing engineering, environmental, land-use and community considerations and has not selected a final route. The utility plans to discuss the proposal and collect feedback at an informational open house in Elysburg; if approved and advanced, construction could begin in spring 2028 and finish by early 2031.