A grant from a federal consortium has helped Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. launch an innovative "Buried Treasure" program to sell residential lots that already have components of geothermal heat pumps in the ground.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems use the earth's heat to warm buildings and discharge heat back to the earth to cool buildings. The systems operate by using a system of loops, or coils, buried in the ground.

The Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, which includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, will help fund PP&L's program, which is the first of its kind in the nation.

The consortium presented the award to PP&L at a Washington, D.C., news conference Thursday (2/8). PP&L was one of seven utilities to receive grants for "the development and installation of innovative geothermal programs."

"PP&L became a leader in marketing geothermal heat pump technology because we know it's an excellent system for our customers, and because it's a positive step toward improving the environment," said Linda Bartholomew, PP&L's vice president of Public Affairs, who accepted the grant award for PP&L.

PP&L began its geothermal program in 1991. The company now has about 1,500 geothermal heat pump customers in single-family homes and townhouses.

The EPA calls geothermal systems the most efficient and environmentally friendly heating and cooling technology available. Since geothermal systems use less energy than other heating and cooling systems, they reduce energy use, which cuts back on air emissions. Geothermal technology uses the natural and renewable energy from the earth to aid in heating and cooling buildings.

"Since the loops are preinstalled, the Buried Treasure program will help prospective homeowners make the geothermal heating decision as an integral part of their initial decision to purchase a lot and build a home," Bartholomew said.

PP&L is targeting a residential development in the Allentown area as the first location for the pilot program.