Core Insights - FirstEnergy is investing $13 million in infrastructure to enhance electric service reliability for over 12,700 rural customers in West Virginia, focusing on reducing outages during severe weather [1][2]. Infrastructure Investment - The investment is part of a three-year pilot program approved by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia aimed at improving service reliability [1]. - Projects include building new power lines, upgrading to stronger wire, adding substation transformers, and installing automated smart technologies [7]. Specific Projects - In Berkeley and Morgan counties, a four-mile power line will connect two lines serving 5,400 customers, providing backup power to minimize outages [8]. - In Greenbrier County, a second transformer will be installed at a substation in Union to support 2,238 customers and future growth [8]. - In Hancock County, wire upgrades on an existing line will enhance backup power for over 3,100 customers, with additional equipment like regulators and reclosers to improve service reliability [8]. - In Tyler County, a two-mile tie line will be upgraded to reduce outages for 2,000 customers [8]. Company Overview - FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states [4].