FirstEnergy subsidiary begins high-voltage power line upgrade in Ohio
American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary, has initiated the third phase of a larger 64-mile project to upgrade 20 miles of high-voltage power line in Ohio’s Belmont and Harrison counties. The aim is to bolster the regional transmission system, enhance service reliability, and meet increasing electricity demand. The project is set for completion in late 2024.
What the Project Entails
The line stretches across multiple townships in Belmont and Harrison counties, including the city of St. Clairsville and Athens Township. The upgrade will feature the replacement of existing wood pole structures with new steel monopoles and the installation of larger wires to handle a greater electrical load.
Carl Bridenbaugh, FirstEnergy’s vice president of Transmission, stated, “This new, modern infrastructure is expected to help improve system performance and reduce the number of service interruptions customers experience. The work will also help us to meet the growing demand for safe, reliable power from homes and businesses in eastern Ohio in the future.”
Phases and Future Projections
This 20-mile segment is part of a grander 64-mile line upgrade stretching from a substation in Columbiana County to another in Belmont County. Earlier phases of the upgrade have been completed in other townships within the counties, further cementing FirstEnergy’s commitment to enhancing electrical infrastructure in Ohio.
Part of the Larger ‘Energizing the Future’ Initiative
This project falls under the umbrella of “Energizing the Future,” an initiative that FirstEnergy has been investing in since 2014. The initiative aims to modernize FirstEnergy’s transmission system with updated equipment and technology. As of 2022, over $10 billion has been allocated to this initiative, which has included upgrading or replacing power lines, installing smart technology into the grid, and upgrading substations.
American Transmission Systems, Inc. provides transmission services not only in Ohio but also in the western part of Pennsylvania. The company is responsible for over 8,100 miles of transmission lines, substations, and other electrical facilities, ensuring a smooth and reliable power supply to these regions.