Power Markets Development Co., a subsidiary of PP&L Resources, Inc. (NYSE: PPL), is part of a consortium that will build and operate a power plant and natural gas-related facilities in the Aguaytia area of Peru.

The consortium, which will invest $250 million in the project, is headed by the Dallas-based Maple Gas Corporation. PMDC, the worldwide power development subsidiary of Allentown, Pa.-based PP&L Resources, is investing up to $24 million over the next several years.

Bob Fagan, PMDC president, said the project involves the construction and operation of a 155-megawatt, gas-fired power plant, the drilling of five new gas field wells and the construction of about 250 miles of high-voltage electric transmission lines. The transmission lines will provide electricity to Peru's main electricity grid from Aguaytia, which is in the central jungle region, to the coast north of Lima. The lines, which will be the largest privately owned transmission facilities in Peru, will cross the Andes Mountains.

"This is an exciting opportunity for PMDC," said Fagan. "We especially look forward, through our association with Pennsylvania Power & Light Co., to providing important engineering analysis and support on the transmission line construction."

This project brings PMDC's total investments and commitments to about $250 million. The company, which last month acquired a 25 percent share of South Western Electricity in Great Britain, also has holdings in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Spain and Portugal and is working with a consortium developing plans for a power plant in India.

Other members of the Peru consortium, called Aguaytia Energy del Peru S.R. Ltda., are PanEnergy International Corporation, El Paso Energy International Company, Illinova Generating Company and Scudder Latin American Power Fund. Maple Gas Corporation is acting as project manager.

PP&L Resources also is the parent company of Pennsylvania Power & Light Co., which provides electric service to 1.2 million customers in central and eastern Pennsylvania.