FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is currently implementing upgrades to the electric system in Western Pennsylvania to enhance reliability and minimize service interruptions for customers in the region. Scott Wyman, President of FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania Operations, highlighted the significance of these upgrades, stating, “Substation upgrades play a major role in preventing power outages because they supply the electricity that flows across our local electric system and powers homes and businesses throughout West Penn’s service area.”
The ongoing project involves the installation of automated reclosing devices and electronic controllers in distribution substations serving over 26,000 customers in parts of Clarion, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. The new equipment is aimed at limiting the frequency, duration, and extent of service interruptions, particularly during severe weather conditions. Wyman further explained that this initiative is part of FE PA’s Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan II, a $147 million investment over five years to ensure reliable electric service for customers.
Automated recloser devices function similarly to circuit breakers in homes but with the added benefit of automatically reenergizing a substation or power line within seconds for certain types of outages. They aid in isolating outages to specific areas and help utility personnel pinpoint fault locations to expedite restoration efforts. On the other hand, electronic controllers enable distribution system operators to monitor and control substation reclosers remotely.
Communities in Clarion, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, including Clarion, Strattanville, California, Centerville, Adamsburg, and Mt. Pleasant, among others, will benefit from the upgraded equipment. FirstEnergy’s commitment to integrity, safety, and operational excellence is evident in this endeavor to improve the electric system in Western Pennsylvania.
West Penn, covering approximately 737,000 customers in 24 counties in central and southwestern Pennsylvania, can be followed on social media platforms for updates on the project. Similarly, FirstEnergy, one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serves over six million customers across several states in the Northeast region.
For media inquiries, contact Todd Meyers at (724) 838-6650, and for investor relations, reach out to Irene Prezelj at (330) 384-3859.