FirstEnergy Launches $30M Grid Upgrade for 6,000 Berks County Customers
The Van Reed 69-kV Transmission Project will construct a $30 million substation in Bern Township and a four-mile high-voltage line to strengthen service for over 6,000 Berks County customers, reducing outages and accelerating power restoration. This work is part of a $36 billion grid modernization program through 2030 that allocates $13 billion to Pennsylvania.
1. Project Details
The Van Reed 69-kV Transmission Project includes a new substation in Bern Township and nearly four miles of high-voltage line on wood and steel poles. Construction began in January and is slated to enter service by year-end, with a total investment of $30 million.
2. Customer Benefits
The upgrade will strengthen the grid for over 6,000 FirstEnergy Pennsylvania customers in central Berks County, enabling faster power restoration, fewer outages during extreme weather, and smarter rerouting of electricity through backup sources and automated equipment.
3. Strategic Investment
This initiative is part of FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, which plans $36 billion in grid modernization through 2030, including $13 billion in Pennsylvania. The investment aims to support economic growth by ensuring reliable service for existing businesses and attracting new development.