Potomac Edison Seeks Approval for Power Line Upgrades Enhancing Virginia Reliability

Potomac Edison Seeks Approval for Power Line Upgrades to Enhance Reliability for Virginia Customers

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is proactively pursuing approval from the State Corporation Commission of Virginia for a significant transmission project designed to meet rising energy demands in the state. By reinforcing the reliability of electricity supply, this initiative emphasizes the commitment to ensuring safe and efficient operation of the transmission system serving Virginia and its neighboring states.

The ambitious Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project will involve the reconstruction of approximately 29 miles of 138 kV transmission lines. This infrastructure upgrade will traverse through Frederick, Clarke, and Loudoun counties in Virginia, with a deliberate focus on utilizing existing power line routes. This strategic approach aims to reduce environmental impacts and potential disruption to local communities.

The project includes the construction of two new 138 kV lines between the existing Stonewall Substation and the planned Woodside Substation located in Frederick County. In line with regulatory requirements, Potomac Edison is mandated to apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) in each state. The company has already submitted its application to the Maryland Public Service Commission in March 2026 and formally filed with Virginia’s commission on October 30, 2026. Plans are also underway to submit the application for West Virginia in the coming month.

Pending the necessary approvals, construction for the Virginia section of the project is slated to commence in 2028, with an expected operational date of December 2030. This timeline underscores the meticulous planning needed for development of critical transmission infrastructure.

Chris Beam, FirstEnergy President of West Virginia/Maryland, highlighted the importance of this initiative by stating, "Customers depend on us for reliable, affordable power, and that is exactly why this project matters. This project is a practical way to strengthen the existing grid system for customers today while preparing for the region's future energy needs. By adding new power lines along existing routes, we can improve reliability and increase capacity while limiting impacts on communities."

Moreover, the project has been endorsed by PJM Interconnection, an organization responsible for regional electric grid management, which awarded the project to Potomac Edison in 2023. This recognition was granted in response to growing system reliability concerns and reflects the urgency of enhancing grid infrastructure. The improvements will add new 500-kV lines to existing routes, effectively increasing the capacity to handle electricity flow, particularly during peak demand periods, which often coincide with extreme weather conditions.

If the proposed upgrades receive the green light, they will not only facilitate the efficient and cost-effective delivery of electricity to neighborhoods but will also bolster grid reliability for all consumers. Furthermore, the enhancements will accommodate the increasing demand for electricity and ease the integration of new energy sources, including renewable alternatives.

Throughout the review process of this project, Potomac Edison is committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders. This initiative is a vital component of FirstEnergy's ambitious $36 billion capital investment strategy, poised to strengthen energy reliability across its service areas.

Residents interested in learning more about the Virginia and West Virginia components of the project can access detailed information via Potomac Edison’s designated project page. Updates concerning the Maryland segment of the improvements can also be found on the Maryland project website.

Currently, Potomac Edison is responsible for delivering electricity to about 285,000 customers in seven counties of Maryland and an additional 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

For further details and updates, customers can follow Potomac Edison online, including platforms such as X (@PotomacEdison) and Facebook (facebook.com/PotomacEdison).

FirstEnergy remains committed to principles of integrity, safety, and operational excellence, serving over six million customers across multiple states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.