American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., recently completed a project to upgrade 16 miles of two high-voltage power lines in Ohio’s Lake and Geauga counties. The enhancements are aimed at strengthening the regional transmission system and improving service reliability for nearly 5,000 customers of The Illuminating Company.
FirstEnergy’s Vice President of Transmission, Carl Bridenbaugh, highlighted the importance of the upgrade, stating, “This line upgrade will reinforce our transmission system and help provide us with the flexibility we need to continue delivering reliable power to customers in Northeast Ohio.”
The project, with an estimated cost of $15.5 million, involved the installation of new wires with increased capacity, as well as new components and insulators along the route. Helicopter crews were primarily used for the equipment upgrades, as it is a faster and more efficient method compared to using ground crews.
This initiative was part of the broader Energize365 program, a multi-year grid evolution effort by FirstEnergy that focuses on transmission and distribution investments to enhance the reliability of the power grid. With planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, the program aims to create a smarter and more secure grid that can accommodate emerging technologies and growing energy demands.
ATSI, the company responsible for the transmission services in Ohio and part of Pennsylvania, owns and maintains over 8,100 miles of transmission lines, substations, and other facilities. The recent power line enhancements are in line with ATSI’s commitment to improving the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid in the region.
The project, identified in collaboration with PJM, the electric grid operator for FirstEnergy’s service territory, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and ensure a more resilient electric grid in Northeast Ohio.
With a dedication to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, FirstEnergy continues to invest in its electric distribution companies, serving millions of customers across several states. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate thousands of miles of transmission lines, connecting regions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
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