FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) operating as Met-Ed in eastern Pennsylvania, is implementing smart, automated equipment on neighborhood power lines serving 24,160 customers in York and Adams Counties. This initiative aims to mitigate prolonged service interruptions, especially during severe weather conditions.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania operations, stated, "These upgrades to our energy delivery system will help prevent or minimize the impact of power outages for our Met-Ed customers in numerous communities across York and Adams counties. This important work is part of our Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP) II, a $153 million initiative to accelerate investments in our Met-Ed system over five years to help ensure continued reliable electric service for our customers."
The project involves installing 53 automated switching devices equipped with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology at strategic locations on overhead power lines. SCADA-controlled devices provide real-time information about voltage and electric conditions to distribution system operators. These remote-control devices function similarly to home circuit breakers by shutting off power when issues arise. They enhance safety and efficiency by allowing system operators to remotely isolate damage, thereby limiting the number of affected customers and restoring service without dispatching a crew. Additionally, these devices can pinpoint the location of electrical faults, aiding utility personnel in understanding outage causes and expediting restoration efforts.
Communities benefiting from the new automated switching devices include:
- Adams County (4,760 customers): Berwick Township, Hamilton Township, Menallen Township
- York County (19,400 customers): Codorus Township, Dover, Heidelberg Township, Manchester Township, Manheim Township, North Codorus Township, Paradise Township, Penn Township, Shrewsbury Township, Springfield Township, West Manchester Township, York Township and York City
Some devices are already operational; the remainder is expected to be installed later this year.
This effort is part of Energize365—a multi-year grid evolution program encompassing LTIIP II—focused on transmission and distribution investments aimed at creating a smarter and more secure grid. With planned investments totaling $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, the program seeks to meet current reliability targets while accommodating future demands such as electric vehicles' proliferation and increased electrification of homes and businesses.
Met-Ed serves approximately 592,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. For updates follow Met-Ed on X @Met_Ed or Facebook at facebook.com/MetEdElectric.
FirstEnergy emphasizes integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate around 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. More information can be found at firstenergycorp.com or follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp.
Photos of automated switching devices are available for download on Flickr.
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