New Transformer Installed and Energized in Downtown Lebanon Substation

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), operating as Met-Ed, has energized a new transformer at its substation in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. This upgrade will enhance electric service reliability for over 7,000 customers in Lebanon, North Lebanon Township, and West Lebanon Township. The new transformer replaces a failed unit from June, ensuring long-term grid stability for the area's underground distribution network.

The installation is part of FirstEnergy's Energize365 program, a multi-year grid evolution initiative with planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028. This program aims to create a smarter, more secure grid to meet future energy demands, including electric vehicles and clean energy sources. Additional investments are planned for another Met-Ed substation in West Lebanon in the next 18 to 24 months.

Positive

• Enhanced electric service reliability for over 7,000 customers
• Swift resolution of a critical infrastructure issue
• Part of a $26 billion investment program (Energize365) for grid modernization
• Strengthening of long-term grid stability in the Lebanon area

Negative

• None.

Insights

Electrical Engineering Expert

The installation of a new transformer in Lebanon's downtown substation is a significant infrastructure upgrade that addresses both immediate and long-term reliability concerns. This 100,000-pound unit replaces a failed transformer, demonstrating Met-Ed's commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure. The transformer's capacity to handle the electrical load for over 7,000 customers in a core urban area is important for grid stability.

The swift deployment of a mobile substation as a temporary solution, followed by the permanent installation, showcases effective crisis management in utility operations. The planned installation of another transformer in West Lebanon indicates a proactive approach to grid modernization. These upgrades align with the broader Energize365 program, which aims to create a smarter, more resilient grid capable of accommodating future energy demands and clean energy integration.

Financial Analyst

FirstEnergy's $26 billion investment plan for 2024-2028 under the Energize365 program signals a strong commitment to infrastructure modernization. This substantial capital expenditure is likely to have a positive impact on the company's long-term financial health and competitive position in the utility sector. Investors should note that such investments often lead to increased rate base growth, potentially driving higher regulated returns.

The company's focus on reliability and future-proofing its grid for electrification and clean energy integration aligns with industry trends and regulatory expectations. This strategic approach may enhance FirstEnergy's appeal to ESG-focused investors. However, the significant capital outlay could impact short-term financial metrics and investors should monitor the company's ability to execute these projects efficiently and recover costs through rate cases.

New Met-Ed equipment to enhance electric service reliability for more than 7,000 customers

READING, Pa., Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary doing business as Met-Ed in southeastern Pennsylvania, recently energized a new transformer at its substation near Third and Willow streets in Lebanon to enhance electric service reliability for more than 7,000 customers in the city, North Lebanon Township and West Lebanon Township.

The substation's previous transformer experienced a failure in early June and could not be repaired. A mobile substation provided temporary service to customers in the area until the new transformer was installed to help ensure long-term grid stability.

John Hawkins, FirstEnergy's President, Pennsylvania: "Resolving this critical issue was a top priority, and we expect this to strengthen the reliability of electric service provided to our Lebanon customers. We engineered a solution, identified a spare transformer with the capacity to handle the electrical load and put our crews to work to safely and quickly install the unit. I am pleased to report the new transformer is in-service and operating as designed."

Met-Ed's substation near Third and Willow streets is particularly important because it supplies electricity to the underground distribution network that powers much of Lebanon's core downtown.

The new transformer measures 13-feet tall by 12-feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 pounds. A large crane hoisted the unit over the substation fence and onto a concrete foundation. Electricians also pulled cables through the newly installed underground conduit, connecting the transformer with electrical equipment housed within the substation's control building.

Crews worked extended hours for three weeks to connect the transformer before testing and calibrating the unit to ensure it functioned properly. The transformer was energized in late July. The mobile substation has been disconnected and is ready for deployment.

More investments are planned in nearby West Lebanon at another Met-Ed substation. Engineers and crews are preparing for another new transformer to be installed. Additional updates will be provided as the delivery of the transformer, which is expected in the next 18 to 24 months, gets closer.

The work is part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy's customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, the program will create a smarter, more secure grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses and clean energy sources.

Met-Ed serves approximately 592,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. Follow Met-Ed on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Met Ed and on Facebook at facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 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. Visit FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

Editor's Note: Photos of the new permanent transformer and mobile substation are available for download on Flickr.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What recent upgrade did FirstEnergy (FE) complete in Lebanon, Pennsylvania?

FirstEnergy (FE) recently installed and energized a new transformer at its substation near Third and Willow streets in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, enhancing electric service reliability for over 7,000 customers in the area.

How many customers will benefit from FirstEnergy's (FE) new transformer in Lebanon?

The new transformer installed by FirstEnergy (FE) in Lebanon will enhance electric service reliability for more than 7,000 customers in Lebanon, North Lebanon Township, and West Lebanon Township.

What is FirstEnergy's (FE) Energize365 program?

Energize365 is FirstEnergy's (FE) multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments. It aims to create a smarter, more secure grid with planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028.

When was the new transformer energized by FirstEnergy (FE) in Lebanon?

The new transformer installed by FirstEnergy (FE) in Lebanon was energized in late July 2024, after crews worked extended hours for three weeks to connect, test, and calibrate the unit.