American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has initiated construction to upgrade a 138-kilovolt substation in Lucas County’s Springfield Township and reconfigure connecting high-voltage power lines. This combined effort is expected to improve reliability for nearly 23,000 Toledo Edison customers in the area.
The expansion plan includes an increase of the substation by 17,870 square feet on company-owned property, marking a 58% growth in its size. The installation of new equipment, including automated devices, will enable ATSI to enhance and reorganize the existing transmission lines. This development aims to reduce the frequency of power outages experienced by customers and facilitate easier maintenance without causing power interruptions.
Carl Bridenbaugh, FirstEnergy’s Vice President of Transmission stated: “This upgrade to our substation and connecting lines will help prevent outages for thousands of Toledo Edison customers in northwest Ohio while providing us with the flexibility we need to provide safe, reliable power in the future.”
In addition to the substation upgrades, ATSI plans to improve more than 10 miles of existing transmission lines connected to the substation and construct a one-mile section of new line. This reconfiguration is designed to eliminate potential sources of service interruptions. The $24 million project is anticipated for completion by mid-2025.
This project forms part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments. The program aims to meet current power demands while also addressing future challenges. With planned investments totaling $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, Energize365 seeks to create a smarter, more secure grid that can accommodate electric vehicles, home and business electrification, and clean energy sources.
FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems serving customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
