AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio Edison, a
subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is wrapping up grid
modernization work expected to enhance electric service reliability
for more than 200,000 customers in parts of Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula and Columbiana counties.
Customers will benefit from installation of more than 20 new
automated reclosing devices that will help limit the frequency,
duration and scope of service interruptions. The electrical devices
work like a circuit breaker in a home that shuts off power when
trouble occurs, with the added benefit of automatically
reenergizing a power line within seconds for certain types of
outages to keep power safely flowing to customers.
These devices allow utility personnel to automatically restore
service to customers rather than sending a crew to investigate,
which is especially helpful in rural or hard-to-access areas. This
automated technology is safer and more efficient. To determine the
best locations for these devices, utility personnel reviewed outage
patterns across Ohio Edison's service territory and identified
areas that would benefit from an automated reclosing device.
The projects also include replacing 11 miles of existing power
lines with thicker, durable wire designed to withstand tree debris
and severe weather elements. New utility poles were installed to
support the electrical infrastructure and additional power lines
were constructed to connect customers to an alternate circuit,
allowing for more flexibility in restoring outages due to events
such as storms or vehicle accidents. The work provides a backup
power feed that will help keep the lights on for customers if wires
or equipment on their regular line are damaged or need to be taken
out of service.
"Severe storms have the potential to cause damage to poles,
wires and substations, requiring crews to make repairs in difficult
conditions," said Ed Shuttleworth,
regional president of Penn Power and Ohio Edison. "The completion
of this work ahead of winter strengthens our electric system to
help keep the power flowing safely and reliably to customers when
they depend on it the most to stay warm and comfortable, and it
will benefit them year-round."
The work in this area began in March and is on track for
completion by the end of the year. It is part of Ohio Edison's Grid
Modernization Plan, a three-year investment approved by the Public
Utilities Commission of Ohio
(PUCO) to modernize the electric distribution system in
Ohio. Similar grid modernization
work is planned across the entire Ohio Edison footprint.
Ohio Edison serves more than
one million customers across 34 Ohio counties. Follow Ohio Edison on Twitter
@OhioEdison, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OhioEdison, and online
at www.ohioedison.com.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational
excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the
nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers
in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, West Virginia,
Maryland and New York. The company's transmission
subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of transmission
lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow
FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy
on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp.
Editor's Note: Photos of Ohio Edison crews
restringing power lines and installing new equipment are available
for download on Flickr.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.