FirstEnergy’s transmission subsidiary Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT) has completed and energized a new power line in Altoona, Pa.
The transmission project is part of MAIT's ongoing Energizing the Future investment program.
The new line should provide flexibility to the transmission and distribution system and enable quicker power restoration to Penelec customers after service interruptions from severe winter weather, vehicle crashes or equipment issues.
The construction of the two-phase project began in spring 2020.
Phase one involved building a new 46 kV line to connect Penelec's Westfall Substation near 17th Avenue to its 20th Street Substation near Boyer Candy, providing a second source of electricity for the 20th Street Substation.
Before the line was energized in summer 2020, the 20th Street Substation and the distribution lines leaving the substation were fed by a single transmission line, which could result in lengthy power outages when the line needed to be repaired.
Crews then rebuilt the 46 kV line linking the 20th Street Substation to the Collinsville Substation as the second phase of the project.
The reconstructed line was energized in late 2020 and utilizes larger-sized wire to increase its carrying capacity and enhance electric service reliability for 3,000 customers in Altoona and around 35,000 customers in Blair County.
Source: FirstEnergy