Major projects scheduled for this year include building new or upgrading existing distribution circuits, ongoing vegetation management programs, and inspecting and replacing utility poles. In addition, other projects will include the installation of automated and remote control devices designed to enhance Penelec’s electric system and reliability.
“The planned infrastructure projects are designed to help maintain our system on a day-to-day basis to benefit Penelec customers now while helping to prepare our system for future load growth,” said Scott Wyman, regional president of Penelec.
“Whether it be upgrading existing circuits, installing equipment that can be operated remotely, or spending on vegetation management, our ultimate goal is to continue to enhance the reliability of our system to benefit our customers.”
Penelec’s 2013 reliability projects are expected to have both localized and widespread benefits to customers throughout its 17,000 square mile service area. The scheduled projects include:
- Upgrading distribution circuit equipment by installing new sectionalizing devices, such as fuses and reclosers, to help limit the scope of outages across the entire Penelec service territory. The cost of this project is approximately $28 million.
- Installing radio controlled switches that can be operated remotely from the company dispatch center, giving our system operators the ability to restore power quickly and efficiently.
- Installing equipment to help maintain proper voltage levels. This is expected to benefit Penelec’s industrial and large commercial customers that operate large motors, drives and other machinery.
- Inspecting and replacing utility poles. This inspection process is conducted on a 12-year cycle. Inspections began in January, with replacement work scheduled to be completed throughout the fall.
- Spending approximately $19 million as part of Penelec’s ongoing vegetation management program to trim trees and maintain proper clearances to protect against tree-related storm damage. Trees are the leading cause of power outages in Pennsylvania.
Penelec serves approximately 600,000 customers in 31 Pennsylvania counties. Visit FirstEnergy on the web atwww.firstenergycorp.com, and follow Penelec on Twitter @Penelec.