We are replacing and upgrading equipment at eight transmission substations in our Mon Power service area to help prevent or minimize the impact of power outages for more than 13,000 customers who are served by high-voltage power lines connected to the substations. The work builds upon system enhancements completed at several other substations last year that benefited more than 5,500 Mon Power customers served by connecting transmission lines.

“By minimizing the impact of power outages, especially during severe weather in rural areas, we are helping ensure the delivery of reliable power to thousands of customers,” said Jim Myers, Vice President, Operations. “These upgrades will not only enhance our system’s performance but also contribute to the overall economic stability and well-being of the communities we serve in West Virginia.”

The work involves replacing existing substation equipment with new communication equipment, including electrical relays containing technology that helps reduce the frequency and severity of potential outages caused by issues such as animal contacts and tree-related damage. The primary purpose of a relay is to protect the electrical system from too high of a voltage or current without causing unnecessary outages, allowing the safe operation of equipment to which it connects.

Mon Power started the upgrade projects in the spring and expects to complete the work by the end of the year.

These projects are part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program focused on transmission and distribution investments that will deliver the power FirstEnergy’s customers depend on today while also meeting the challenges of tomorrow. With planned investments of $26 billion between 2024 and 2028, the program will create a smarter, more secure grid that will meet and exceed reliability targets and accommodate electric vehicles, the electrification of homes and businesses and clean energy sources.