PJM Approves 765‑kV Columbus Transmission Spine by FirstEnergy‑AEP‑Evergy Joint Venture

PJM Approves High‑Voltage Spine for Columbus Region

AKRON, Ohio — Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection selects a major 765‑kilovolt (kV) transmission project jointly developed by FirstEnergy Transmission LLC and Transource Energy to address fast‑growing power needs in central Ohio. The project, proposed through PJM’s 2025 RTEP Open Window and approved by PJM’s Board of Managers on Feb. 12, is developed through a new joint venture, Grid Growth Ventures LLC, that combines FirstEnergy and partners American Electric Power and Evergy resources for delivery and operations.

The proposal comprises roughly 300 miles of new 765‑kV lines and upgrades to multiple substations, a configuration the companies say can carry the output of about two million homes on a single circuit. Developers argue the extra‑high‑voltage design reduces land use by about half compared with multiple lower‑voltage circuits, consolidating infrastructure into a narrower corridor and lowering local environmental impacts while improving reliability and restoration times. PJM’s technical and economic evaluation supports the project as a regional solution to rising demand driven by manufacturing, data centers and electric vehicles in the greater Columbus area.

Company officials frame the project as strategic to long‑term economic growth across the PJM footprint and aligned with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission priorities that encourage efficient, cost‑effective regional transmission development. FirstEnergy Transmission President Mark Mroczynski emphasizes the transmission system’s central location amid regional expansion, while AEP highlights its experience in extra‑high‑voltage development. The partners say construction and substation work will be staged to match load forecasts and interconnection studies, with costs, permitting and schedules to be refined through stakeholder review.

Potomac Edison Brings New Substation Online

Separately, FirstEnergy subsidiary Potomac Edison brings a new $6.6 million automated substation into service in Berkeley County, West Virginia, in December, improving reliability for about 2,400 homes and businesses near Spring Mills. The facility, part of FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, uses smart technology to isolate problems and speed restorations and supports broader modernization plans that include roughly $36 billion in grid investments from 2026 to 2030.

Quarterly Disclosure Timing

FirstEnergy discloses fourth‑quarter results on Feb. 17, 2026 at 04:20 PM; the summary provided does not include the numeric financial details. Readers and stakeholders are advised to consult the company’s official press release, SEC filings and investor materials for full figures, reconciliations and management commentary.