Potomac Edison Completes $6.6 Million Substation in Berkeley County, West Virginia

The new substation provides an additional power source for customers in the Falling Waters and Spring Mills areas, which were previously served by two substations that Potomac Edison said were nearing capacity. The company stated the facility incorporates modern, smart technology designed to reduce outages and accelerate power restoration.

Jim Myers, FirstEnergy's (NYSE: FE) President for West Virginia and Maryland, said the substation reflects the company's commitment to customers in Berkeley County, citing the area's rapid growth. Myers stated that reliable power is essential for thriving communities and that the new infrastructure aims to ensure dependable electricity through fewer outages and faster repairs.

The $6.6 million project is part of Energize365, FirstEnergy's long-term investment program focused on modernizing and strengthening the electric grid. FirstEnergy plans to invest $36 billion between 2026 and 2030 to build what it describes as a smarter, more resilient grid across its service area.

Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers in parts of Maryland and about 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. FirstEnergy's electric distribution companies serve over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.

The specific capacity of the new substation in megawatts was not disclosed by Potomac Edison.

Moving forward, observers will monitor the reported impact of the new substation on outage frequency and duration for the 2,400 affected customers in Berkeley County. Further details on FirstEnergy's planned $36 billion investment under the Energize365 program, including specific projects and timelines beyond 2026, are also expected. The continued population and economic growth in Berkeley County will likely influence future infrastructure development needs.