FirstEnergy subsidiary American Transmission Systems has completed a significant upgrade to a nine-mile high-voltage power line in Carroll and Harrison counties, Ohio. This enhancement is part of a larger project involving the reconstruction of a 64-mile transmission line to bolster the regional power system. The upgraded segment aims to improve service reliability for Ohio Edison customers, enhance system resiliency, and accommodate the anticipated increase in electricity demand.

The upgraded 138 kV power line spans Perry Township in Carroll County, as well as Rumley Township and Archer Township in Harrison County. This approximately $50 million project entailed replacing 57 wooden pole structures with new steel structures and installing larger wires capable of carrying higher electrical loads. The increased capacity of the wires allows for greater customer demand and future connections of additional power generation sources to the grid.

The completion of this segment in late May marks the second phase of the ongoing initiative, which will involve the rebuilding of 64 miles of transmission lines over the next few years, connecting a substation in Columbiana County to a substation in Belmont County, Ohio. The first 13-mile segment, situated in the West Township area of Columbiana County, as well as the August Township and Washington Township areas of Carroll County, was successfully upgraded and completed in January.

This project forms part of FirstEnergy’s comprehensive Energizing the Future initiative, a multi-year endeavor aimed at modernizing the transmission system by incorporating advanced equipment and technologies. The objective is to strengthen the power grid and minimize the frequency and duration of customer outages.

Since 2014, FirstEnergy has been actively upgrading or replacing existing power lines, integrating smart technology into the grid, and enhancing numerous substations with advanced equipment and improved security features.

FirstEnergy has invested over $10 billion in the Energizing the Future initiative until 2022.

American Transmission Systems offers transmission services in Ohio and the western portion of Pennsylvania where it manages an extensive infrastructure comprising more than 8,100 miles of transmission lines, substations, and related facilities.