Work Underway to Enhance Electric Service Reliability for Residents and Businesses in Morgan County Area

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Aug. 22, 2024

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Potomac Edison has started construction on a new substation in Morgan County, West Virginia, that is expected to enhance reliability for 1,800 area customers. Fed by a more reliable power line, the facility will feature new technology and equipment that will also help reduce the number and duration of outages.

Located in Great Cacapon, the new substation will replace an existing substation nearby that is fed by a six-mile, 34.5-kilovolt (kV) power line that runs along rocky and mountainous terrain. The line is challenging to access for repairs when severe weather causes damage. Located on a 20-acre parcel owned by Potomac Edison, the new substation will be fed by an existing 138-kV power line that is easier to access by field personnel and less vulnerable to service interruptions, particularly during severe weather.

Hundreds of homes and businesses in the area will benefit from the installation of new automated reclosing devices in the substation that will help limit the frequency, duration and scope of service interruptions.

These electrical devices work like a circuit breaker in a home that shuts off power when trouble occurs, with the added benefit of automatically reenergizing a substation or power line within seconds for certain types of outages to keep power safely flowing to customers. This technology is safer and more efficient because it often allows electric company personnel to automatically restore service to customers rather than sending a crew to investigate, which is especially beneficial in rural areas like Morgan County.

If the device senses a more serious issue, like a fallen tree on electrical equipment, it will isolate the outage to that area and limit the total number of affected customers. The device's smart technology will quickly pinpoint the location of the fault and help utility personnel better understand the cause of the outage to help speed restoration.