Core Insights - FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA) is investing $368 million in infrastructure upgrades to enhance the reliability and resilience of its power grid in Westmoreland County, benefiting nearly 5,000 customers [1][5][6] Investment and Infrastructure Upgrades - The upgrades include the installation of stronger equipment and smart technology, aimed at reducing outages and improving service restoration times [1][4] - Specific improvements involve upgrading two local power lines with larger-diameter wire, which can transport more electricity and withstand severe weather conditions [2][5] - The project is part of FE PA's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP) III, which focuses on enhancing electric system reliability [5][6] Technological Enhancements - New equipment being installed includes over 50 wooden utility poles, 97 crossarms, 10 transformers, 22 fuses, and 38 lightning-protection devices [8] - Remote-controlled switches are being added to improve outage response times and facilitate quicker service restoration [4][8] Community Impact - The upgrades are expected to provide more reliable service to residents and businesses in New Kensington, Arnold, and Lower Burrell, with fewer outages anticipated [1][5] - FirstEnergy's broader investment strategy, Energize365, plans to allocate $28 billion from 2025 to 2029 to modernize the electric grid across its service areas [6]