FirstEnergy Awarded $950M PJM Projects to Boost Grid Reliability
FirstEnergy Transmission will invest $950 million to modernize equipment, rebuild older lines and upgrade substations in Ohio and Pennsylvania in PJM-approved projects. The plan allocates $490 million for nearly 200 miles of new 765-kV lines and $294 million to construct a Clark County substation.
1. PJM Selection and Approval
FirstEnergy Transmission was selected by PJM Interconnection and received board approval on February 12 to build a series of grid enhancement projects under the 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.
2. Overall Investment and Scope
The transmission unit will invest $950 million to modernize aging infrastructure, rebuild older lines and upgrade substations across its service territories in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
3. Regional Project Breakdown
Through Grid Growth Ventures, the company will invest $490 million to construct nearly 200 miles of new 765-kV lines and 30 miles of 345-kV lines near Columbus. ATSI will invest $294 million to build a new Clark County substation and replace breakers and high-voltage lines in Lake, Erie, Ottawa and Huron counties. MAIT will invest $165 million in Pennsylvania to rebuild 115-kV lines into double circuits in York and Adams counties and upgrade 500-kV lines in Armstrong and Indiana counties.
4. Expected Benefits and Next Steps
These projects aim to reduce outages, support economic growth and prepare the grid for future demand. Detailed planning, route studies, community engagement and environmental reviews are underway to ensure responsible and timely execution.