New Electric Substation Set to Enhance Power Supply for Lebanon County's Industrial Growth

Construction of a new electric substation is underway in Lebanon County, poised to meet the rising demand for electricity from local businesses and expansive warehouse facilities. As various industrial operations proliferate in the region, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), operating as Met-Ed in southeastern Pennsylvania, is taking significant measures to fortify the area's electrical infrastructure.

Located off the bustling Route 422 in South Annville Township, this substation will deliver energy to numerous new warehouse facilities, marking a crucial enhancement to the local power supply. It is designed to improve service reliability for over 2,100 Met-Ed customers in Annville, South Annville Township, and Palmyra, where electricity consumption is on the upswing due to industrial growth.

Construction Progress and Expansion Plans

Beginning in spring 2024 and expected to be completed by early 2025, construction activities have already commenced, featuring the installation of robust steel structures, circuit breakers, and electrical components essential for the substation's functionality. An impressive 69-kilovolt (kV)-to-13.2-kV transformer, set to be delivered in December, will serve as the operational heart of the substation, measuring 13.5 feet in height and 20 feet in width while weighing upwards of 100,000 pounds.

Once operational, the substation will not only back the power supply to local customers but also introduce additional lines that can be expanded later. For instance, one line will directly serve the colossal 1.1 million-square-foot Eagle Point Logistics Center adjacent to the substation, while another will cater to a newly planned 1 million-square-foot facility across Killinger Road. This infrastructure is part of the broader Clear Springs Logistics Park initiative, which when completed, will further elevate the area's industrial appeal.

Energizing Lebanon County's Future

John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of this substation for energizing the colossal shipping hub situated within a high-traffic freight corridor, highlighted by Interstates 78 and 81 as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. His statement underscores the role of this new infrastructure in providing operational flexibility that ultimately benefits both residential and commercial customers in the rapidly growing communities of Lebanon County.

Additionally, contractors are concurrently constructing a new 69-kV transmission line that will connect the substation to an existing power network. This extensive work involves installing 16 steel poles that range between 45 to 70 feet tall, thereby allowing the new substation to efficiently harness power from other regional lines.

The establishment of this substation aligns with FirstEnergy's Energize365 initiative, a collective effort that amounts to a planned investment of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028. This multi-year commitment to grid evolution will not only cater to current electricity demands but is also aimed at future-proofing the infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles, electrification of homes and businesses, and integration of renewable energy sources.

With approximately 592,000 customers relying on Met-Ed across 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania, the importance of this project cannot be overstated. As growth continues to unfold in Lebanon County, the new electric substation will be a linchpin in accommodating the burgeoning energy needs of modern industries. To stay updated, follow Met-Ed on social media platforms such as X and Facebook.

FirstEnergy remains committed to delivering reliability, safety, and operational excellence as one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the nation. Their service area spans across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York, underscoring the significance of their ongoing infrastructure improvements and customer-oriented initiatives.

For additional insights and photographs of the ongoing construction, interested parties can visit Flickr for the latest updates on this meaningful development.