SALEM TOWNSHIP -- Part of the company we used to know as PPL is now called Talen Energy. Talen took over the electric generating part of PPL on Monday.
If you get an electric bill at your home or business from PPL, that won't be changing. PPL will still be the company delivering power to customers, but starting Monday, PPL is no longer in the business of generating power. It's the end of an era in parts of our area with PPL power plants.
There's a new name for the towering nuclear facility near Berwick. For more than 30 years, people around here have known this as the PP&L or PPL plant. Now it is owned and run by the new company: Talen Energy. PPL spun off all of its electric generation.
"It's going to be really strange, because that's what I've called it my whole life," said Toni Dodd, fishing in what was known as the PPL Susquehanna Riverlands across Route 11 from the plant.
The name is the big difference people will need to get used to. Talen Energy says not much else will change, especially the safety.
"Business as usual, I guess."
Mike Bedio has lived in the shadow of the plant, almost since PPL opened it in 1982.
"Never had any problem with them," Bedio said. "I sure do [hope that continues]."
Some people were concerned the Riverlands Park would close. For now Talen says it will stay open to the public.
"I was concerned too. I'm glad they're going to keep it open for the kids to play. It has a nice play yard for the kids, picnicking, and you can fish all at the same time."
A Talen energy spokesperson says when employees turned up for work, they were given clothing and equipment with the new logo, and welcomed to the new company. He says their jobs will stay the same, and the operation of this facility won't change.
"We know that the leadership management is all the same and so we have the same full expectation that they will support us the ways they always have."
Ginny Crake runs the Berwick Area United Way. PPL's power plant has not only been a big employer around Berwick with around 1,000 employees, but a big supporter of community efforts, too. The hope is that all that continues.
"They're right up the street from us, and they've always really carried our campaign and really been a huge supporter," said Crake.
Talen Energy also took over the control of PPL's Montour coal-fired power plant near Danville, and Lake Wallenpaupack.
The company stresses the same people who ran all of its facilities safely will continue to do so.
