We are installing automated reclosing devices and electronic controllers in five distribution substations that serve more than 26,000 customers in sections of southwestern Pennsylvania. The work is being performed by substation electricians in our West Penn Rate District (West Penn) – part of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA) – and is designed to help prevent lengthy service interruptions, particularly during severe weather.

“Substation upgrades play a major role in preventing power outages because they supply the electricity that flows across our local electric system and powers homes and businesses throughout West Penn’s service area,” said Scott Wyman, President, Pennsylvania Operations. “This important work is part of FE PA’s Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan II, a $147 million initiative that will accelerate investments in our system over five years to help ensure continued reliable electric service for our customers.”

Thousands of homes and businesses in Westmoreland, Clarion and Washington counties will benefit from the installation of new, smart automated reclosing devices and electronic controllers that will help limit the frequency, duration and extent of service interruptions. Some of the new equipment is already in service, and the remainder of equipment is expected to be installed and operational by mid-year.

Automatic recloser 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.
• Are safer and more efficient because they often allow utility personnel to automatically restore service to customers instead of sending a crew to investigate.
• Isolate the outage to that area and limit the total number of affected customers if the device senses a more serious issue, like a fallen tree on electrical equipment.
• Quickly pinpoint the location of the fault and help utility personnel better understand the cause of the outage to help speed restoration.

Electronic controllers allow distribution system operators to monitor and remotely control substation reclosers that do not have the capability to operate automatically.