FirstEnergy's New Substation in West Virginia Boosts Power Reliability for Thousands
- FirstEnergy's Potomac Edison built a new substation in West Virginia to enhance power reliability for nearly 2,000 customers.
- The substation features smart grid technology for quicker outage detection and restoration, improving service quality.
- This project is part of FirstEnergy's $28 billion Energize365 initiative to modernize infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity delivery.
FirstEnergy Enhances Power Reliability with New Substation in West Virginia
Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has recently completed the construction of a state-of-the-art substation in Morgan County, West Virginia. This new facility is designed to significantly improve power reliability for nearly 2,000 customers, including approximately 1,600 residents and businesses in the Great Cacapon area and over 320 customers in nearby Little Orleans, Maryland. The substation officially began operations in September 2025, marking a pivotal upgrade from an older facility that depended on a six-mile-long power line traversing challenging terrain. This transition to a more accessible power line reduces outage risks, particularly during severe weather conditions, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the electrical service in the region.
Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia and Maryland operations, emphasizes that this new substation represents a considerable advancement in service quality for Potomac Edison customers. The facility integrates advanced smart grid technology, which includes automated devices capable of detecting and isolating electrical issues, restoring power remotely, and swiftly identifying outage locations for rapid repair. These modern features are expected to lead to fewer and shorter outages, while also minimizing the impact on customers during power disruptions. This upgrade aligns with FirstEnergy's commitment to leveraging technology to create a more resilient power grid.
This project is part of FirstEnergy's Energize365 initiative, a comprehensive $28 billion investment program aimed at modernizing infrastructure across its five-state service area. The company's overarching goal is to ensure reliable electricity delivery that can meet current and future demands. By prioritizing upgrades like the new substation in Morgan County, FirstEnergy not only enhances service reliability but also reinforces its dedication to improving customer experience through innovative technological solutions.
In addition to improving power reliability, the completion of the Morgan County substation highlights FirstEnergy's proactive approach to infrastructure development in regions with challenging geographical conditions. The project is a part of a broader strategy to enhance energy delivery systems, ensuring that communities receive consistent and dependable service. This investment signifies FirstEnergy's ongoing efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of its customers and maintain its position as a leader in the energy sector.
Overall, the new substation underscores Potomac Edison’s commitment to providing high-quality electrical services while embracing technological advancements that benefit both customers and the environment. This initiative sets a precedent for future projects aimed at improving power infrastructure and reliability across FirstEnergy's service areas.
