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Infrastructure Improvements by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania (FE PA), a key subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has recently been given the green light by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) to embark on an ambitious phase three of their Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plans (LTIIP III). This new phase signifies a continued commitment to improving electric service reliability for over two million customers throughout Pennsylvania.

The upcoming investment, totaling approximately $1.42 billion over the next five years, aims to bolster infrastructure across various service areas governed by FE PA. Building upon previous investments, which exceeded $1 billion from the initial two phases of LTIIP conducted from 2016 to 2024, this initiative is expected to significantly reduce both the frequency and duration of service interruptions experienced by customers. Notably, since the implementation of earlier LTIIP improvements in 2019, the frequency of interruptions has already decreased by 14% in areas where renovations have been completed.

John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, shared insights into the positive impact of these enhancements. He noted, “Over the past nine years, our upgrades to the power grid and proactive tree trimming along rights-of-way have yielded favorable results. Our customized improvement strategies for each service area align perfectly with our annual distribution network updates, allowing us to provide safe and reliable service that meets customer expectations.” He reaffirmed that LTIIP III will further elevate their efforts by integrating automated technologies into power lines and substations while enhancing overhead power lines.

Key Focus Areas of LTIIP III

The LTIIP III plan focuses primarily on two critical areas: grid modernization and system resiliency. Key modernization initiatives include:

• - Installation of Protective Devices: Automated reclosers and fuses are set to be added to power lines, coupled with the construction of tie lines to isolate damages.
• - Voltage Regulation Enhancements: Converting substandard power lines to standard voltages will allow better operation and reduction of outages.
• - Underground Network Updates: Renewing underground infrastructure with upgraded conduits, cables, transformers, and more.
• - Modernizing Substation Equipment: Replacing old equipment with new breakers and electronic relays improves monitoring and capabilities.

On the system resiliency front, the following efforts are planned:

• - Replacement of Aging Infrastructure: Overhead wires and poles are slated for replacement to improve overall reliability.
• - Selective Undergrounding: Where feasible, distribution equipment will be strategically placed underground.
• - New Power Lines: The establishment of new power lines will provide additional sources of electricity, enhancing operational flexibility for service delivery.

Expected Investment Breakdowns

Expected investments for various service areas from 2025 to 2029 include:

• - Penelec: $538 million
• - Met-Ed: $382 million
• - West Penn Power: $368 million
• - Penn Power: $133 million

Notably, the rollout of LTIIP III will not impact customer bills in 2025, as initial program costs are already covered by a previously approved distribution rate by the PUC. The LTIIP program, authorized under Pennsylvania Act 11, aims to spur utilities in the region to advance investments in aging infrastructure, thereby yielding economic benefits.

The overarching LTIIP III initiative is part of the Energize365 program, a multi-year undertaking targeting significant transmission and distribution upgrades. With a planned investment of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, Energize365 seeks to develop a smarter, more resilient grid that meets current demands while adapting to future challenges, including the increasing deployment of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

As FE PA continues on this path of modernization and improvement, the utility works diligently to maintain reliability for its extensive customer base across Pennsylvania. Met-Ed serves roughly 592,000 customers in 3,300 square miles, while Penelec covers approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles, showcasing FirstEnergy’s widespread commitment to enhancing energy service across the state.

Follow Met-Ed and Penelec on social platforms for ongoing updates and progress on these significant infrastructure initiatives. The future is indeed bright for FirstEnergy customers as these improvements unfold, paving the way for a more secure, reliable electric service throughout Pennsylvania.