FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Potomac Edison has completed service reliability projects in Western Maryland that will enhance electric service and minimize the impact of power outages for nearly 5,000 customers in Allegany, Frederick, and Garrett counties.
Don McGettigan, Acting President of FirstEnergy’s Maryland Operations, emphasized the importance of investing in system upgrades to improve customer service during severe weather events. He said, “Continually investing in upgrades to our system helps us restore service to our customers faster following severe weather and reduce the number of momentary and sustained power outages our customers experience.”
The two projects implemented by Potomac Edison allow for automatic switching of customers’ power source to an adjacent line in the event of damage or the need for equipment repairs. This will significantly reduce the number and duration of service disruptions for customers in the West Frederick, Frostburg, and Finzel areas.
Potomac Edison has also installed 14 new automated reclosing devices in substations and along neighborhood power lines. These devices act like circuit breakers, automatically shutting off power when trouble occurs and reenergizing the system within seconds for certain types of outages. This technology limits the frequency, duration, and scope of service interruptions. In case of a more serious issue, such as a fallen tree on electrical equipment, the devices isolate the outage to a specific area and limit the number of affected customers.
The installation of these smart grid technologies will not only improve the reliability of the electric grid but also enhance the safety and efficiency of the system. By automatically restoring power to customers, utility personnel can avoid sending a crew to investigate, making the process faster and more convenient for customers.
Potomac Edison has also proactively replaced around 50 miles of aging underground cable with a more reliable type of cable designed to withstand various environmental elements. This will further strengthen the electric system and reduce the risk of future cable failures.
Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers in Maryland and 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The company’s dedication to enhancing service reliability and operational excellence is evident through these recent improvements to the electric infrastructure.
With these projects, Potomac Edison is ensuring that the Western Maryland electric grid is stronger and more resilient, providing customers with a more reliable power supply and minimizing the impact of power outages.
Source: Potomac Edison
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About Potomac Edison:
Potomac Edison is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States. Potomac Edison serves customers in multiple counties in Maryland and West Virginia.
About FirstEnergy Corp.:
FirstEnergy Corp. is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. The company’s electric distribution companies serve more than six million customers in several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. FirstEnergy’s transmission subsidiaries operate a vast network of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
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