Potomac Edison Proposes Major Power Line Upgrades for Enhanced Reliability in Frederick County

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has initiated a significant transmission project aimed at bolstering the reliability of the power grid for customers in Frederick and Montgomery counties, Maryland, according to a press release from FirstEnergy Corp. The proposed Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project also includes segments that will affect Virginia and West Virginia. The initiative seeks to upgrade 18 miles of existing transmission lines within Maryland, utilizing current power line corridors to minimize environmental and community impacts.

The project’s progression is now contingent on the approval of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC). This permit is a critical step in validating the project’s necessity, ensuring it meets stringent safety and reliability standards, and confirming that costs are fair. The PSC will commence its review of Potomac Edison’s application, and interested parties can find additional information regarding the CPCN process on the PSC’s official website. Should the application receive approval, construction is slated to commence in 2028, with an anticipated completion date in 2031. Potomac Edison anticipates submitting applications for the Virginia and West Virginia portions of the project later this year.

The Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project was awarded by PJM Interconnection, the independent regional organization responsible for operating the electric grid. In its entirety, the project aims to upgrade approximately 62 miles of transmission lines across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. A key component involves the addition of new 500-kilovolt (kV) lines integrated into existing routes, a development described as analogous to adding express lanes to a highway, which will allow for a greater volume of electricity to be transmitted, particularly during periods of peak demand such as extreme weather conditions.

The proposed upgrades are designed to facilitate the efficient and rapid delivery of electricity to residential and commercial areas. Enhanced grid reliability for all customers is a primary objective, alongside the capacity to meet increasing electricity consumption demands. Furthermore, the project is expected to simplify the process for connecting new energy sources, including renewable energy facilities, to the grid. For detailed information specific to the Maryland segment of the project, a dedicated website is available. Additional details concerning the Virginia and West Virginia components can be found on FirstEnergy’s transmission projects website.

Potomac Edison provides electricity service to approximately 285,000 customers across seven counties in Maryland and serves around 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. FirstEnergy, the parent company, serves over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York through its electric distribution companies. The company’s transmission operations encompass approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines, connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

This project signifies a commitment to ensuring that families and businesses have consistent and dependable access to power, particularly during critical times. By reinforcing and modernizing existing infrastructure, Potomac Edison aims to improve overall reliability, accommodate growing electricity needs, and do so with a mindful approach to the communities it serves. The improvements are anticipated to contribute to the region’s economic development by providing a more robust and capable energy infrastructure.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from FirstEnergy Corp.

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