Strengthening the Electric Grid in York County
Efforts to enhance the electrical infrastructure are underway to ensure reliable service for Met-Ed customers.
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, known in the eastern Pennsylvania region as Met-Ed, is launching significant upgrades to their energy delivery system in northwestern York County. These enhancements are designed to reduce service interruptions, especially during extreme weather when energy demand peaks.
This ambitious project involves replacing over a mile of aging copper wire on a local power line with new aluminum wire that features a larger diameter. This upgrade is essential for increasing the electricity transport capacity, ensuring improved service reliability for nearly 300 Met-Ed customers in the Dillsburg area while addressing the growing energy requirements of the community.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania states, "This proactive investment will help position our electric network to accommodate steady growth in York County, which is witnessing significant population growth. Since 2010, we've seen an increase of about 8%."
The upgrades include replacing 1.3 miles of wiring, 32 wooden poles, crossarms, fuses, and porcelain insulators along a 13.2-kilovolt (kV) power line. The project spans from a substation near Golf Course Road, extending east to Baltimore Street and further north along Baltimore Street to Welty Avenue.
Protecting this infrastructure is crucial. To minimize the risk of equipment damage and outages caused by wildlife, crews are installing 49 animal guards along the new line. These rubber boots and sleeves are designed to shield transformers, fuses, and other energized components from contact with squirrels and climbing animals.
The expected completion of this project aligns with the increased demands for reliable electricity and is set for April.
The initiative is part of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP III). This plan marks a significant investment of $382 million aimed at accelerating capital improvements within the Met-Ed electric distribution framework over the next five years to ensure dependable service for customers.
LTIIP III is integrated into Energize365, a comprehensive program that focuses on advancing the grid's transmission and distribution capabilities. This program invests $28 billion from 2025 to 2029, striving to develop a more advanced and secure electric grid. This future-oriented grid is designed to accommodate electric vehicles, increase residential and business electrification, and incorporate sustainable energy sources.
Met-Ed proudly serves around 592,000 customers across 3,300 square miles in eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. Customers can connect with Met-Ed on social media platforms like X @Met Ed and on Facebook.
FirstEnergy is committed to upholding integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. It stands as one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the nation, delivering services to over six million customers across states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company operates around 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy for updates at firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main upgrades being conducted in York County?
The ongoing project involves replacing older copper wires with larger aluminum wires, including the installation of new poles and animal guards to enhance electric reliability.
How many customers will benefit from these upgrades?
Nearly 300 customers in the Dillsburg area will see improvements in service reliability as a result of this project.
What is the expected completion date for the project?
The project is expected to be completed in April, enhancing the electric infrastructure for the community.
What is FirstEnergy's commitment regarding electric services?
FirstEnergy is dedicated to providing reliable electric service while investing in the infrastructure to meet future energy demands efficiently.
How does this project fit into FirstEnergy's broader initiatives?
This project is part of the Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP III) and the Energize365 program aimed at enhancing the overall electric grid through substantial investments.
