Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has initiated a significant project aimed at reinforcing its underground electrical network in downtown Johnstown, Cambria County.

The objective of the project is to prevent or minimize service disruptions in the area. Key sections of one of the four primary underground cables that deliver electricity to approximately 900 downtown customer locations will be replaced as part of the work. This includes vital establishments such as the Cambria County War Memorial, Conemaugh Medical Center, city and county offices, and senior living high-rises.

The project also entails the installation of new underground transformers and protective devices designed to quickly detect and isolate damage, rerouting electricity to nearby cables to prevent or reduce the duration of power interruptions. The improvements being implemented in 2023 involve the replacement of other essential network components crucial for ensuring reliable electric service to downtown customers.

Scott Wyman, president of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania operations, stated, "We are focused on critical work to improve the downtown network, which includes proactively replacing nearly two miles of primary cable that supplies electricity to the city center." This project builds upon the enhancements made after an underground power line was damaged by an equipment-related fire last summer. Penelec's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP II), a $200 million initiative, is driving these efforts to accelerate capital investments in the electric distribution system, ensuring ongoing reliability for customers.

Source: finance.yahoo.com