#United States #FirstEnergy Corp #Potomac Edison #Morgan County #Morgan County, West Virginia

New Substation Boosts Power Stability in Morgan County

A newly constructed substation in Morgan County, West Virginia, is set to improve power reliability for nearly 2,000 residents and businesses. The project, initiated by Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., commenced last summer, with the substation beginning operations in September 2025.

Significance of the New Equipment

The new substation is strategically designed to replace an outdated facility that relied on a lengthy and unreliable power line spanning six miles through challenging terrain. Set on a 20-acre plot, the updated substation benefits from a modern power line that ensures greater stability, especially during adverse weather conditions. This advancement is pivotal for the residents of Great Cacapon, where around 1,600 customers will now have access to more reliable electricity, alongside over 320 customers in the neighboring Little Orleans, Maryland.

Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy’s operations in West Virginia and Maryland, emphasized the substantial improvements this infrastructure introduces, stating, "This new substation will significantly elevate the standard of service for our customers. We're building the foundation for the future with smarter, stronger infrastructure that keeps electricity flowing to homes and businesses in Morgan County and across our region.”

Technological Advances Integrated into the Substation

One of the most transformative aspects of the new substation is the incorporation of smart grid technology. This advanced technology includes:

• - Automated detection and problem isolation: This capability allows the system to identify issues efficiently, leading to quicker responses.
• - Remote restoration of services: In case of disruptions, services can be restored remotely without needing to dispatch technicians on-site, thus reducing downtime.
• - Pinpoint outage locations: The technology enables the staff to locate outages quickly, ensuring faster repairs.

These features will play a critical role in reducing the frequency and duration of outages, providing customers with a more reliable source of electricity.

Future-Focused Development

This substation is not just a reaction to current needs but is also a proactive step towards future growth. It is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy's ambitious $28 billion initiative to modernize the power grid over the next few years. This multi-state project aims to create a more secure and smarter grid that caters to the evolving needs of today’s consumers while anticipating future demands. In total, Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers across various counties in Maryland and around 155,000 in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.

Commitment to Customer and Community

FirstEnergy is dedicated to maintaining a standard of integrity, safety, and service reliability, making it one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States. With over six million customers spread across its operational regions, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York, FirstEnergy continues to push for improvements and engage with local communities through its initiatives.

For updates and information, residents can follow Potomac Edison on various social media platforms including X (@PotomacEdison) and Facebook (facebook.com/PotomacEdison).

In conclusion, the new substation represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the quality and reliability of power services for Morgan County and serves as an exemplary model for future infrastructure projects. As FirstEnergy continues to invest in and innovate its electric grid, customers can look forward to a future of enhanced service and resilience against outages.