PPL Electric Utilities has begun a project to install automated electric meters for its 1.3 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania.

The first phase is a small-scale test starting in early February in the Allentown and Bethlehem areas. The company has mailed letters to customers selected for that program.

"Automated meter reading reaffirms our commitment to customer service excellence," said Michael E. Bray, president of PPL Electric Utilities, "and enables us to continue our leadership position in customer satisfaction in the utility industry."

With a successful completion of the program's first phase this spring, PPL Electric Utilities will begin full implementation, which involves replacing all electric meters in its 10,000-square-mile service area of eastern and central Pennsylvania.

PPL Electric Utilities has signed a contract with DCSI Inc., a Missouri-based company, to provide automated meter reading technology.