FirstEnergy Corporation will invest $1.42 billion for the third phase of its Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan, with the largest amount, $538 million, dedicated to Penelec projects.
The other FirstEnergy concerns will also receive funding, including $382 million for MetEd, $368 million for West Penn Power, and $133 million for Penn Power.
The money will fund FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, which the company says will create a “smarter, more secure and resilient grid”. The program was approved in 2012 and had already had more than a billion dollars invested in it. It features grid modernization and “system resiliency” projects.
Coupled with the annual and ongoing tree trimming and vegetation control work, Energize365 has helped FirstEnergy reduce power outages and interruptions by 14 percent.
Some of the program’s objectives:
Grid Modernization Projects:
- Installing protective devices such as automated reclosers and fuses to power lines and building tie lines between power line sections to isolate damage and quickly restore electric service to customers from unaffected parts of the system.
- Converting lower-voltage power lines to standard voltages to better regulate voltage and provide operational flexibility to reduce the duration of outages.
- Updating underground networks with new conduits, cable, transformers, vaults, manholes and switches.
- Replacing aging substation equipment with modern breakers and electronic relays that offer improved monitoring and operational capabilities.
System Resiliency Projects:
- Replacing aging poles and overhead wire.
- Replacing underground cable nearing the end of its useful life.
- Selectively placing distribution equipment underground where feasible to enhance reliability.
- Building new power lines to provide more sources to supply electricity to customers, enhancing operational flexibility.
