We are replacing underground cable and its related equipment to enhance electric service reliability for residential customers in Butler County, Pa.

“We are investing in modern, durable underground cable with an expected lifespan of 40 years which should provide decades of reliable electric service for our Penn Power customers,” said John Hawkins, President, Pennsylvania. “The new cable will be placed in plastic PVC conduit to protect the line from water damage and corrosive soil elements. This method also enhances our crews’ ability to quickly access and repair wires, which can shorten the duration of service interruptions for our customers.”

Penn Power crews are replacing more than five miles of underground cable that has delivered electricity to homes in several Cranberry Township neighborhoods for more than 30 years. The new cable will be placed within the right-of-way adjacent to the existing line. Crews also will assess the condition of transformers and other equipment and replace those components as necessary.

To minimize impact to driveways, sidewalks and landscaping, contractors will bore horizontally beneath the ground wherever possible to lay conduit for the new cable. Areas with unmarked utilities or hard surfaces may require some trenching. The work is expected to be completed this summer.

This project is part of phase three of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company’s (FE PA) Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP), an initiative designed to accelerate capital investments in the electric distribution system to help enhance service reliability for our more than two million customers across the state. This includes a $133 million investment in Penn Power’s distribution system over the next five years.

LTIIP III is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy’s 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 $28 billion between 2025 and 2029, the program is creating 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.

PVC conduit protects underground cable from damage caused by water and corrosive soil elements, helping the wire to provide reliable electric service to Penn Power customers for decades.