New Substation in Berkeley County Aims to Boost Power Reliability for Thousands

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has announced the completion of a new electrical substation in Berkeley County, West Virginia, which is expected to significantly enhance power reliability for approximately 2,400 residential and business customers in the Falling Waters and Spring Mills areas. This new facility, operational since December, incorporates advanced, automated technology designed to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, as well as expedite restoration efforts when disruptions do occur.

The strategic placement of this substation near Spring Mills High School addresses the growing demand in Berkeley County, identified as one of the state’s most rapidly expanding regions. Previously, the Falling Waters and Spring Mills communities were served by two substations that were approaching their maximum capacity. The addition of the new substation provides a crucial additional power source, bolstering the electrical infrastructure to accommodate the county’s continued development and growth.

“Berkeley County is growing fast, and it’s important that our electric system grows with it,” said Jim Myers, FirstEnergy’s President, West Virginia and Maryland. “Reliable power is the backbone of thriving communities, and this substation reflects our commitment to our customers. With fewer outages, faster repairs and a strong grid, we’re ensuring our customers have the dependable electricity they need.”

Engineered for enhanced performance, the new substation is equipped with smart technology that facilitates the quick identification of electrical issues. This allows for the precise isolation of problems, thereby minimizing the impact of any potential outages on customers. Furthermore, the system is capable of remote restoration, meaning that power can often be reinstated without the immediate need for a field crew, leading to faster service recovery.

This $6.6 million project is part of FirstEnergy’s broader “Energize365” initiative, a long-term investment program dedicated to modernizing and strengthening the company’s electric grid. Through Energize365, FirstEnergy has outlined plans to invest approximately $36 billion between 2026 and 2030. The overarching goal of this significant investment is to construct a more intelligent and resilient grid capable of meeting the evolving energy needs of communities across its extensive service territory. Potomac Edison serves a substantial customer base, including about 285,000 customers across various counties in Maryland and approximately 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from FirstEnergy Corp.

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