Enhancements in Electric Infrastructure to Boost Reliability for Pennsylvania Customers

Completion of Electric System Upgrade in Northwest Pennsylvania

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (also known as Penelec) has recently finished a significant enhancement to its electric delivery system in Northwest Pennsylvania, aimed at providing more reliable service for its customers. This initiative included the replacement of over 40 aging wood poles and other critical equipment along key power lines, which directly benefits nearly 1,000 residential users in areas like Cochranton, Utica, and Polk.

The project underscores FirstEnergy’s commitment to proactive infrastructure management, especially in the face of challenges posed by severe weather patterns. John Hawkins, the President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, emphasized the importance of the upgrades, stating that the existing electrical infrastructure has served the community well but required modern improvements to ensure continued reliability. The new enhancements are expected to vastly improve customer experiences, especially during adverse weather conditions, which have historically impacted service continuity.

The recent upgrades involved extensive work on a significant 34.5-kilovolt power line that stretches approximately 13 miles. This line connects substations in the region, and the modifications included replacing 42 utility poles, 53 crossarms, and nearly 700 old porcelain insulators. Furthermore, the modernized system now features improved switches that allow utility workers to isolate damage and reroute power more efficiently, minimizing the duration and extent of service interruptions. Among these updates, a remote-control switch was added, facilitating operations from a distance, thus reducing the need for line crews to be physically present at the site for repairs.

Historically, the power line in question has experienced multiple outages linked to equipment issues over the past five years. These significant updates not only address past concerns but also enhance the reliability of the electrical feed to the substation located in Polk, ultimately benefiting over 540 customers in that area. The initiative, which began in November 2024, is now successfully completed and operational.

This project is part of Penelec's comprehensive Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP III), which represents a $538 million investment designed to bolster electrical service reliability across the region for the next several years. This effort is also integrated within FirstEnergy's larger Energize365 initiative—a forward-thinking program focused on modernizing the electrical grid to ensure it meets current and future energy demands.

With planned investments totaling $28 billion from 2025 to 2029, Energize365 aims to create a more intelligent and secure energy grid that will not only enhance service reliability but also accommodate future advancements such as electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles in northern and central Pennsylvania and parts of western New York, making it a vital player in the regional energy landscape.

In closing, FirstEnergy proudly positions itself as a key provider dedicated to safety and reliability in energy distribution. With a robust infrastructure initiative and a plan that addresses modern energy needs, they are paving the way for an enhanced customer experience in the communities they serve. Interested customers and stakeholders can follow Penelec’s updates on social media platforms like X and Facebook to stay informed about ongoing projects and initiatives.

For more visual insights, photos from the recent upgrades can be found on their Flickr page.