Met-Ed Upgrading Electric System in York County, Pennsylvania

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Met-Ed is enhancing electric service reliability for rural customers in southern York County, Pennsylvania. The project involves upgrading a power line along New Park Road to a higher voltage as part of a $153 million Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan. This initiative spans five years to boost the electric grid's reliability, helping to prevent service disruptions especially during severe weather.

The current upgrade includes rebuilding a 2.5-mile section, replacing 38 poles, and installing new transformers. Scheduled for completion by late 2023, the project will allow much of the local network to operate at 13,200 volts. This will enhance local grid performance and ensure Met-Ed meets current and future electrical demands of approximately 587,000 customers in the region.

Positive

• Investment of $153 million to improve grid reliability.
• Upgrade to a higher voltage will enhance service during severe weather.
• Scheduled completion by end of 2023 for improved local grid performance.

Negative

• None.

Project designed to enhance service reliability for rural customers

READING, Pa., April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Met-Ed, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is upgrading its electric grid in southern York County, Pennsylvania, to help prevent service disruptions, particularly during severe weather. The work includes converting an existing power line along New Park Road in Fawn Township to a higher voltage to enhance the reliability of electric service for rural customers.

The upgrades are part of Met-Ed's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan, a $153 million initiative to accelerate capital investments to the company's electric grid over five years to help ensure continued electric service reliability for customers.

"We are rebuilding a 2.5-mile section of an existing power line to operate at a higher voltage," said Scott Wyman, president of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania Operations. "This is an older line that has been repaired many times, and the work includes stringing larger wire, replacing and adding numerous wood utility poles and cross arms and installing new transformers. The project should help enhance local grid performance, particularly during hot humid summer weather when our customers in the New Park and Gatchellville areas crank up their air conditioners to stay cool."  

Crews are expected later this spring to replace 38 poles. They also plan to set an additional 27 new poles along the line to shorten the distance of wire between poles to reduce sagging and maintain necessary clearances. Crews will install more than 100 cross arms and 12 new transformers as they hang new wire.

A device enabled with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology will be placed at a key spot on the line. SCADA conveys real-time information about voltage and electric current conditions to distribution system operators. Based on conditions, operators can control the device remotely to quickly isolate damage and transfer customer load to a different source, helping to keep the lights on for customers when problems such as vehicles damaging poles or tree-related outages occur.

The project will start at Met-Ed's distribution substation near the intersection of Woolen Mill and New Park roads, progress northeast along New Park Road and end near Stoney Lane just south of Gatchellville. Step transformers will be placed on a platform near Stoney Lane to reduce voltage, beyond which point the line will continue at its original lower voltage.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, the project will result in much of the local electric network operating at 13,200 volts – enabling Met-Ed to better meet the area's current and future electrical needs.  Met-Ed will eliminate the distribution substation near New Park Road when the project is complete because it will no longer be needed to reduce voltage.

Met-Ed serves approximately 587,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. Follow Met-Ed on Twitter @Met Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor's Note: A photo of line workers replacing a utility pole and cross arms is available on Flickr.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the recent Met-Ed project in York County, Pennsylvania?

Met-Ed is upgrading its electric grid in southern York County to enhance service reliability for rural customers.

What is the budget for Met-Ed's infrastructure project?

The project is part of a $153 million initiative to improve the electric grid over five years.

When is the Met-Ed electric upgrade project expected to be completed?

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.

How many customers does Met-Ed serve?

Met-Ed serves approximately 587,000 customers across 3,300 square miles.

What new installations are included in the upgrade project?

The project includes the installation of new poles, transformers, and SCADA technology for real-time monitoring.