Major Infrastructure Upgrades in East Akron to Enhance Electric Reliability and Reduce Outages
In the heart of East Akron, a transformative project is underway that aims to enhance the reliability of electric services for approximately 12,000 Ohio Edison customers. This upgrade not only promises a more resilient energy delivery system but also includes notable advancements such as reduced outage times and more efficient power restoration processes.
The undertaking is spearheaded by American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. Currently, the East Akron substation is undergoing a major overhaul that includes the expansion and modernization of its facilities. The aim is to minimize the frequency of power outages and accelerate the response time during any service interruptions, a move particularly beneficial for critical infrastructure such as Summa Akron City Hospital.
The ongoing construction reflects a significant expansion of the substation, increasing its footprint from approximately 142,000 square feet to 176,000 square feet—an area roughly the size of 37 NBA basketball courts. The construction process began in June, with a projected completion date set for the end of 2026. During this period, FirstEnergy crews are employing a unique solution known as a "shoo-fly". This temporary setup utilizes wooden poles and wires akin to jumper cables, ensuring that power continues to flow to customers even amidst construction.
A key feature of the upgrade is the implementation of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), a modern technology designed to manage electricity in a safe, efficient manner. This compact system, contained within sealed gas-filled enclosures, is engineered to prolong the lifespan of electrical equipment, mitigate the risk of outages, and provide a more consistent power supply to users in the area. By automatically detecting wiring issues, the infrastructure can reroute electricity, reducing the number of customers left in the dark.
Mark Mroczynski, the President of Transmission for FirstEnergy, stressed the importance of the project, emphasizing that it focuses on building a stronger and safer electric grid. This infrastructure upgrade is part of a broader initiative called Energize365, a $28 billion program committed to modernizing the electric grid across the regions served by FirstEnergy between 2025 and 2029. This comprehensive effort is aimed at creating a smarter, more secure energy framework capable of responding better to unexpected challenges, such as severe weather or accidents.
FirstEnergy's commitment to operational excellence and reliability is evident, and their dedication positions them as one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States, serving over six million customers across multiple states including Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. Furthermore, the firm's transmission subsidiaries maintain an extensive network of approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
As East Akron anticipates the completion of these major upgrades, residents and businesses alike can look forward to a more dependable power infrastructure designed to meet the energy demands of the present and future. The advancements not only reflect FirstEnergy's commitment but also the ongoing evolution of the electric utility landscape, demonstrating a proactive approach to ensuring service consistency and safety across the community.
The undertaking is spearheaded by American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. Currently, the East Akron substation is undergoing a major overhaul that includes the expansion and modernization of its facilities. The aim is to minimize the frequency of power outages and accelerate the response time during any service interruptions, a move particularly beneficial for critical infrastructure such as Summa Akron City Hospital.
The ongoing construction reflects a significant expansion of the substation, increasing its footprint from approximately 142,000 square feet to 176,000 square feet—an area roughly the size of 37 NBA basketball courts. The construction process began in June, with a projected completion date set for the end of 2026. During this period, FirstEnergy crews are employing a unique solution known as a "shoo-fly". This temporary setup utilizes wooden poles and wires akin to jumper cables, ensuring that power continues to flow to customers even amidst construction.
A key feature of the upgrade is the implementation of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), a modern technology designed to manage electricity in a safe, efficient manner. This compact system, contained within sealed gas-filled enclosures, is engineered to prolong the lifespan of electrical equipment, mitigate the risk of outages, and provide a more consistent power supply to users in the area. By automatically detecting wiring issues, the infrastructure can reroute electricity, reducing the number of customers left in the dark.
Mark Mroczynski, the President of Transmission for FirstEnergy, stressed the importance of the project, emphasizing that it focuses on building a stronger and safer electric grid. This infrastructure upgrade is part of a broader initiative called Energize365, a $28 billion program committed to modernizing the electric grid across the regions served by FirstEnergy between 2025 and 2029. This comprehensive effort is aimed at creating a smarter, more secure energy framework capable of responding better to unexpected challenges, such as severe weather or accidents.
FirstEnergy's commitment to operational excellence and reliability is evident, and their dedication positions them as one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States, serving over six million customers across multiple states including Ohio, West Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. Furthermore, the firm's transmission subsidiaries maintain an extensive network of approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
As East Akron anticipates the completion of these major upgrades, residents and businesses alike can look forward to a more dependable power infrastructure designed to meet the energy demands of the present and future. The advancements not only reflect FirstEnergy's commitment but also the ongoing evolution of the electric utility landscape, demonstrating a proactive approach to ensuring service consistency and safety across the community.
Topics Energy）
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