The primary focus of this initiative is to bolster the resilience of the distribution system, especially during adverse weather conditions, and minimize service disruptions.

West Penn Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, is embarking on a significant endeavor to enhance its electrical distribution system in Westmoreland County. With an investment of $147 million under its Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan II, the company aims to fortify its 31-mile network through various upgrades. According to the company, the primary focus of this initiative is to bolster the resilience of the distribution system, especially during adverse weather conditions, and minimize service disruptions. This involves an array of strategic measures such as the replacement of utility poles, installation of protective features like animal guards and fuses, and other enhancements on power lines.

President of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania operations, Scott Wyman, shared insights into the efforts: "We have undertaken three distinct projects aimed at curbing both the frequency and duration of power outages, collectively benefiting around 4,800 customers. These endeavors are part of a comprehensive strategy that has seen over $100 million invested since 2016 to accelerate the transformation of the local electric system, a system that caters to the energy needs of homes and businesses across the expansive West Penn Power service domain."

The implementation of these upgrades will channel substantial capital investments into the company's electric distribution framework, reinforcing the assurance of consistent electric service for customers over the course of five years. West Penn Power's dedicated line crews are currently deployed at 70 sites along the power line, serving nearly 1,800 customers in North Huntingdon Township encompassing Guffey, Robbins Station Road, and Clay Pike. The ongoing endeavors involve not only the replacement of 18 wooden utility poles with heightened versions, increasing clearances by 5 feet to accommodate potential future attachments like broadband cables but also the installation of innovative wildlife guards. These guards are designed to thwart disturbances caused by squirrels and other climbing animals that might come into contact with transformers and disrupt power flow.

One vital aspect of the project includes the installation of 55 new fuses along the line, a strategic measure to mitigate the impact of outages triggered by factors like fallen trees, vehicular accidents, or equipment malfunctions. This comprehensive approach is slated for completion by the conclusion of summer in 2023.

In a parallel project further north, crews are diligently installing 53 new lightning-protection devices and 47 fuses along a 30-mile distribution line that caters to more than 1,300 customers in Murrysville. The estimated timeline for this initiative's completion is anticipated to be in late August 2023.

The third and final project is concentrated on the replacement of 19 poles, each 5 feet taller than their predecessors, to ensure increased clearance. Spanning a 65-mile line in Salem Township and catering to approximately 1,700 customers, this initiative covers areas such as Congruity Road, Old Route 22, Route 819, and the Williamsburg and Monticello housing plans. Completion for this endeavor is expected by the summer of 2023.

Source: FirstEnergy