West Penn Power Installs New High-Voltage Wires to Support Grid Reliability

Rhea-AI Summary

West Penn Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed a $13.7 million upgrade on a high-voltage transmission line in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. This project involved installing larger wires along nearly eight miles of line, increasing capacity to support the electric grid in case of nearby outages. The initiative, part of the multi-year 'Energizing the Future' program, aims to enhance grid reliability and reduce outage durations. Since 2014, FirstEnergy has invested over $10 billion in modernizing its transmission system, reinforcing its commitment to reliable electricity delivery across its service regions.

Positive

• Completed $13.7 million upgrade enhances grid reliability.
• Project increases transmission capacity for unplanned outages.
• Part of long-term 'Energizing the Future' initiative with over $10 billion invested since 2014.

Negative

• None.

Larger wires installed along eight miles of transmission line can handle increased demand

GREENSBURG, Pa., March 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- West Penn Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed the upgrade of a high-voltage transmission line in Westmoreland County, stringing new, larger wires that can handle additional demand if other lines in the area are out of service.

The 138-kilovolt transmission line runs nearly eight miles northeast across Rostraver Township and South Huntingdon Township. In addition to stringing the new wires, West Penn Power installed several new transmission structures along the route and made associated upgrades at the Yukon Substation, which is fed by the line.  

The $13.7 million project reduces the risk of overloads on the line, which could impact the reliability of the electric grid. With the new wires, the line is now able to carry increased power flow in the event of unplanned service interruptions on other lines in the area. The project was completed in December and was identified in conjunction with PJM, the electric grid operator for West Penn Power's service area, as part of its reliability planning analysis.

"As the highway of the country's electrical infrastructure, a modern, robust and flexible high-voltage transmission system plays a crucial role in delivering electricity to residents and businesses," said Carl Bridenbaugh, FirstEnergy's vice president of Transmission. "Working closely with PJM to identify and construct projects such as this will help enhance grid reliability for countless customers throughout the multi-state PJM region."

The project is also part of Energizing the Future, a multi-year initiative designed to upgrade FirstEnergy's transmission system with advanced equipment and technologies that will reinforce the power grid and help reduce the frequency and duration of customer outages. Since 2014, FirstEnergy has upgraded or replaced existing power lines, incorporated smart technology into the grid and upgraded dozens of substations with new equipment and enhanced security features. Through 2022, FirstEnergy has invested more than $10 billion in the Energizing the Future initiative.

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.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What was the cost of the recent transmission line upgrade by FirstEnergy?

The recent transmission line upgrade cost $13.7 million.

How does the upgrade impact grid reliability for FirstEnergy?

The upgrade enhances grid reliability by increasing capacity to handle outages.

When was the transmission line project completed by FirstEnergy?

The transmission line project was completed in December.

What is the purpose of the 'Energizing the Future' initiative by FirstEnergy?

The 'Energizing the Future' initiative aims to modernize the transmission system and improve service reliability.

How many miles of transmission lines do FirstEnergy's subsidiaries operate?

FirstEnergy's subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines.