Smart Grid Enhancements Underway on Electric System in York and Adams Counties

The installation of smart automated switches will allow system operators to remotely isolate damage, limiting the total number of customers affected while restoring service to other customers.

July 20, 2024

We are installing smart, automated equipment on neighborhood power lines serving more than 24,000 Met-Ed customers in eastern Pennsylvania to help prevent lengthy service interruptions, particularly during severe weather.

Building the Electric Grid of the Future

This work is part of Energize365, a multi-year grid evolution program that includes LTIIP II and is 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.

Met-Ed plans to install 53 automated switches on neighborhood power lines across York and Adams counties in eastern Pennsylvania.

“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,” said John Hawkins, President, Pennsylvania. “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 work includes installing 53 automated switching devices enabled with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology at key spots on overhead power lines. SCADA-controlled devices convey real-time information about voltage and electric conditions to Distribution System Operators. The remote-control devices:

  • Work like a circuit breaker in a home that shuts off power when trouble occurs.
  • Are safer and more efficient because they can allow system operators to remotely isolate damage, limiting the total number of affected customers while restoring service to other customers without sending a truck and a crew to investigate.
  • Can pinpoint the location of the electrical fault and help utility personnel better understand the cause of the outage to help speed restoration.

Some of the new devices are already in service, and the remainder of the equipment is expected to be installed and operational later this year.