Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., announced on Mar. 31 that it has requested approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to proceed with a transmission project aimed at improving power reliability for customers in Frederick and Montgomery counties.
The proposed upgrades are intended to make the local power grid more reliable and support future economic growth. The project will update 18 miles of existing transmission lines within Maryland, following current routes to reduce environmental and community impacts. Additional segments of the project will extend into Virginia and West Virginia.
The Public Service Commission will review Potomac Edison’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which is required to ensure the project meets safety, reliability, and cost standards. If approved, construction could begin in 2028 with completion expected by 2031. Applications for related work in Virginia and West Virginia are planned later this year.
Mark Mroczynski, President of Transmission at FirstEnergy, said: “This project is about making sure families and businesses have reliable power when they need it most. By strengthening and upgrading lines that are already in place, we can improve reliability and address growing electricity use while minimizing impacts to the communities we serve.”
Awarded by PJM Interconnection in 2023, the Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project includes about 62 miles of transmission line upgrades across three states. The improvements involve adding new high-voltage lines along existing corridors to help move more electricity during periods of high demand.
FirstEnergy manages approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines as well as over 269,000 miles of distribution lines according to its official website. The company serves more than six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York according to its official website, including around 285,000 customers served by Potomac Edison in seven Maryland counties.
FirstEnergy highlights its commitment to corporate responsibility through environmental initiatives and community programs according to its official website. The company has also been recognized for compliance leadership as well as efforts supporting military-friendly practices according to its official website.
Looking ahead, FirstEnergy aims to operate as a progressive electric utility focused on integrity and reliability through a diverse workforce dedicated to customer service improvement as well as environmental stewardship according to its official website.
