FirstEnergy Pennsylvania has received approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to proceed with phase three of its Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plans (LTIIP III). This initiative aims to enhance electric service reliability for over two million customers in Pennsylvania.
The company plans to invest an additional $1.42 billion over the next five years across its service areas. These investments are intended to reduce the frequency and duration of service interruptions. LTIIP III follows more than $1 billion in investments made during the first two phases from 2016 to 2024, which have already reduced customer interruption frequency by 14% since 2019.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania operations, stated: “Over the past nine years, our enhancements to the power grid and proactive tree trimming along rights-of-way have yielded positive results. Our tailored improvement plans for each service area align seamlessly with our annual upgrades to the distribution network, helping us deliver the safe and reliable service our customers want and deserve. LTIIP III will further elevate these efforts by rebuilding overhead power lines and integrating more automated technology into our power lines and substations.”
The focus of LTIIP III is on grid modernization and system resiliency. Modernization projects include installing protective devices like automated reclosers and fuses, converting lower-voltage lines, updating underground networks, and replacing aging substation equipment. Resiliency efforts involve replacing aging poles and wires, upgrading underground cables, selectively placing equipment underground, and building new power lines.
Expected investments for each service area from 2025-2029 are as follows: Penelec at $538 million, Met-Ed at $382 million, West Penn Power at $368 million, and Penn Power at $133 million. Customers will not see a bill impact in 2025 due to first-year program costs being included in FE PA’s distribution rate review approved by the PUC.
LTIIP III is part of Energize365, a broader grid evolution program with planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028. This program aims to create a smarter grid that meets future demands such as electric vehicles and clean energy sources.
Met-Ed serves about 592,000 customers in eastern Pennsylvania; Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers in northern Pennsylvania; Penn Power serves around 173,000 customers in western Pennsylvania; West Penn Power serves about 746,000 customers in central Pennsylvania.
FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving multiple states including Ohio and New Jersey.
For media inquiries contact Todd Meyers at (724) 838-6650 or for investor inquiries contact Gina Caskey at (330) 761-4185.
