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Investment in Rural Infrastructure

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, both subsidiaries of FirstEnergy, are embarking on a significant infrastructure improvement initiative in rural West Virginia with an investment of $13 million. This investment directly targets enhancing electric service reliability for more than 12,700 customers specifically located in rural areas.

Objectives of the Investment

The main goal of this initiative is to reduce both the frequency and duration of power outages, making electric service more dependable even during extreme weather conditions. The program has received approval from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia and is part of a broader three-year pilot project. Through these enhancements, the utilities aim to strengthen the power delivery system, particularly for communities that are often most affected by outages.

Key Projects Implemented

Investments will lead to various important upgrades, including:

• - New Power Lines: They will be constructed to create more dependable pathways for electricity distribution.
• - Stronger Wiring: This upgrade will increase the capacity and durability of existing lines.
• - Substation Transformers: More transformers will be installed to improve backup power solutions.
• - Automated Technologies: Smart technology will be integrated to facilitate quicker responses during outages.

Specific Areas Benefiting

The infrastructure projects are strategically distributed across various counties:
1. Berkeley and Morgan Counties: A four-mile power line will connect two circuits serving about 5,400 residents in Hedgesville, ensuring backup power supply while providing protection against external elements.
2. Greenbrier County: A second transformer will be added at a substation in Union, which is crucial for accommodating future growth and ensuring power reliability for 2,238 customers.
3. Hancock County: Enhancements on existing lines will be made, providing backup support to over 3,100 customers and including critical voltage regulators and automatic circuit breakers for rapid response during faults.
4. Tyler County: A two-mile tie line will see upgrades, enhancing service continuity for 2,000 customers.

Commitment to Rural Needs

Jim Myers, FirstEnergy's President for West Virginia and Maryland, emphasizes that their commitment takes into account the unique challenges that rural communities face. He said, “We understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities, and we are committed to providing the dependable power customers in these areas need to thrive.” The improvements are designed to reinforce reliable electric service, ensuring that power remains available even in adverse conditions.

Serving the Community

Mon Power supports about 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia, while Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers in Maryland and another 155,000 in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Their dedication reflects not just a business goal but a commitment to community support and infrastructure resilience.

For continuous updates on their projects, residents can follow Mon Power on Facebook and Potomac Edison here. Furthermore, for those looking for more corporate information about their operations and future plans, FirstEnergy maintains an informative presence online.