Big Reliability Boost Coming to Adams County

Core Insights - A major reliability project is being implemented in Adams County, Pennsylvania, aimed at enhancing electric service for nearly 2,300 residents and businesses, including key facilities like Hanover Hospital and WellSpan Health [1][2]. Project Details - The East Germantown-Germantown Reliability Project, led by Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, includes the construction of a new substation and a 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to improve service reliability and support future growth in the area served by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (Met-Ed) [3]. - The new East Germantown Substation is expected to be built and energized by the end of March 2026, connecting to the existing Germantown Substation via a newly constructed high voltage power line [4]. - Upon completion, the project will provide an additional electricity source, enhance operational flexibility, and expand switching capabilities, allowing for quicker restoration during outages [5]. Importance of the Project - The project aims to strengthen the grid to better handle peak loads and reduce the frequency and duration of outages, particularly during high demand periods such as heat waves or storms [6]. - The upgrades will function similarly to a backup generator for the community, designed to accommodate future growth as more homes and businesses are established [6]. Environmental Considerations - The transmission line route has been carefully studied to minimize impacts on environmentally sensitive areas and local communities, with vegetation restoration and environmental work continuing into 2026 [7]. Broader Investment Strategy - This project is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy's $28 billion investment program aimed at modernizing the electric grid from 2025 to 2029, focusing on creating a smarter and more secure grid to meet current and future customer needs [8]. - Met-Ed serves approximately 592,000 customers across 3,300 square miles in eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania [8]. Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving customers in multiple states and managing approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions [9].