Nearly 10,000 customers in rural Trumbull and Ashtabula counties are set to benefit from a significant upgrade to the local electric grid. American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, has completed the rebuilding of an 11.5-mile high-voltage transmission line aimed at reducing outages and improving restoration times in northeast Ohio.
The project involved replacing aging infrastructure with stronger poles and thicker wires that can carry more electricity. Approximately 140 new steel structures were installed, many with deep concrete foundations designed to withstand severe weather and vehicle accidents. This reinforcement is particularly important in open areas where the failure of one pole could lead to larger outages.
The upgraded transmission line will also be interconnected with existing lines, allowing for easier rerouting of power during disruptions and helping minimize service interruptions.
Mark Mroczynski, President of Transmission for FirstEnergy, said: “We know how frustrating power outages can be, especially in rural areas where repairs can take longer. This project is all about helping to keep the electricity flowing reliably during uncontrollable events like severe weather or car accidents and making life a little easier for our customers.”
Construction on the project began in 2023, with plans for the new line to be energized by the end of October.
This $19 million initiative is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy’s broader $28 billion investment program scheduled between 2025 and 2029 to modernize its electric grid across multiple states. The program aims to create a smarter and more secure grid that addresses current customer needs while preparing for future growth.
FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States, serving over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Its transmission subsidiaries manage around 24,000 miles of lines connecting regions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
For more information about FirstEnergy’s operations or ongoing projects like Energize365, visit firstenergycorp.com or follow @FirstEnergyCorp on X.
