READING, PA — FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), operating under Met-Ed in eastern Pennsylvania, has launched a significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at reducing power outages for its customers in York and Adams counties. This initiative is part of the company’s Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP) II, a $153 million effort spanning five years.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania operations, emphasized the importance of these upgrades. “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,” he said.
The project includes the installation of 53 smart, automated switching devices equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. These devices will be strategically placed on overhead power lines to relay real-time data about voltage and electric conditions to system operators. Essentially, these remote-control devices act like circuit breakers, shutting off power when issues arise. This technology allows operators to isolate damage remotely, reducing the number of affected customers and accelerating service restoration.
York and Adams counties stand to gain significant benefits from this upgrade. In Adams County, 4,760 customers in areas such as Berwick Township, Hamilton Township, and Menallen Township will see improvements. In York County, 19,400 customers across multiple townships, including Dover, Manchester, and York City, will also benefit.
Some of the new devices are already operational, with the remainder expected to be installed by the end of the year. This work forms part of Energize365, a broader grid evolution program that includes LTIIP II. The program aims to create a smarter, more secure grid capable of meeting future demands, including the integration of electric vehicles and clean energy sources. Planned investments for Energize365 amount to $26 billion between 2024 and 2028.
Through these enhancements, FirstEnergy aims to ensure continued reliable electric service and meet the evolving energy needs of its customers.
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