FAIRMONT, W.Va., Aug. 21, 2024 — FirstEnergy Corp.’s electric company Mon Power is undertaking significant upgrades at eight transmission substations in its West Virginia service area. These improvements aim to mitigate power outages for over 13,000 customers connected to high-voltage power lines.
The initiative involves replacing existing substation equipment with new communication devices, including electrical relays designed to reduce the frequency and severity of outages caused by issues such as animal interference and tree damage. The primary function of these relays is to protect the electrical system from excessive voltage or current without causing unnecessary outages, ensuring the safe operation of connected equipment.
The substations undergoing upgrades are located in Kingwood, Parkersburg, Pruntytown, Spencer, Sutton, and Weirton areas within Preston, Wood, Taylor, Roane, Braxton, and Hancock counties. Mon Power commenced these projects in the spring and anticipates completion by year-end.
Jim Myers, Vice President of FirstEnergy’s West Virginia and Maryland Operations stated: “By minimizing the impact of power outages, especially during severe weather in rural areas, we are helping ensure the delivery of reliable power to thousands of customers. These upgrades will not only enhance our system’s performance but also contribute to the overall economic stability and well-being of the communities we serve in West Virginia.”
These efforts build on previous enhancements completed last year at substations in Clarksburg and Fairview areas that benefited more than 5,500 customers served by connecting transmission lines.
The projects are part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments aimed at delivering reliable power today while meeting future challenges. With planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, this program aims to create a smarter and more secure grid capable of accommodating electric vehicles, home electrification, businesses’ needs, and clean energy sources.
Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 West Virginia counties. Updates can be followed at mon-power.com or on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) @MonPowerWV and Facebook at facebook.com/MonPowerWV.
FirstEnergy emphasizes integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems serving Ohio, Pennsylvania New Jersey West Virginia Maryland New York The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate around 24 miles transmission lines connecting Midwest Mid-Atlantic regions Follow FirstEnergy online www.firstenergycorp.com X @FirstEnergyCorp
News Media Contact: Will Boye (301) 790-6420 Investor Contact: Gina Caskey (330) 761-4185
