Penn Power launches initiative to modernize grid in Western Pennsylvania

Penn Power is modernizing its electric system in western Pennsylvania with new technologies and initiatives that seek to limit the number and duration of power outages.

The work includes installing automated equipment and technology in distribution substations and along power lines in parts of Lawrence, Mercer, and Butler counties.

“Upgrading our substations is the first line of defense in preventing power outages because they supply the electricity that flows across our power lines to our customers,” Ed Shuttleworth, regional president of Penn Power and Ohio Edison, said. “Think of a substation like a sprinkler. Each stream of water coming out of the sprinkler hits different parts of the lawn, just like individual power lines feed electricity to various neighborhoods.”

Electrical equipment is also being updated in two substations in Lawrence and Butler counties. In addition, new automated reclosing devices being installed in the substations and along the power lines will limit the frequency, duration, and scope of service interruptions. These electrical devices work like a circuit breaker, shutting off power when trouble occurs while automatically reenergizing a substation or power line within seconds to keep power safely flowing to customers. If there is a more serious issue, like a fallen tree on electrical equipment, the sensors will isolate the outage to that area and limit the total number of affected customers.

Further, automated voltage regulators are being installed to ensure constant voltage levels along power lines on extremely cold or hot days that create high demand for electricity. Finally, additional power lines are being built to provide more flexibility in restoring outages due to events such as storms and vehicle accidents. The new power lines are designed to better withstand tree debris and severe weather.

The work began in January and is slated to be finished in August. It is part of Penn Power’s Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP II). The company’s investments to upgrade the local energy grid have reduced the number and length of outages by 20 percent in areas where work has been completed.

Penn Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, serves more than 160,000 customers in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Lawrence, and Mercer counties.