FirstEnergy moves to build new substation in Lebanon County

In December 2024, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., announced the construction of a new electric substation in South Annville Township, Pennsylvania. This project is located off busy Route 422 and aims to enhance the electricity supply for a rapidly growing industrial area with new massive warehouse facilities. The need for a more robust electrical infrastructure arises due to the significant electrical load growth observed in the region, which includes Annville, South Annville Township, and Palmyra, serving more than 2,100 Met-Ed customers. This growth is driven largely by the expansion of logistics and warehousing operations in the area, underscored by the establishment of the Eagle Point Logistics Center nearby and plans for additional facilities at the Clear Springs Logistics Park. Construction for the substation commenced in the spring of 2024 and is projected to finish by early 2025. Progress includes the installation of pivotal infrastructure components such as steel structures, circuit breakers, and electrical cables. A key component of the substation, a 69-kilovolt-to-13.2-kilovolt transformer, is expected to arrive in December 2024. This transformer is crucial for managing voltage levels effectively and will ensure that sufficient power is available to support the large logistics operations intended for the area. The new substation will not only connect directly to new distribution lines, allowing for improved service reliability but will also provide backup power feeds to maintain electricity supply continuity in case of any issues affecting regular lines. As articulated by John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania operations, this substation will provide essential infrastructure critical for energizing a significant shipping hub situated along a major freight corridor that includes Interstates 78 and 81 as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This improvement suggests a proactive strategy to address both current demands and future service growth in these fast-developing communities. The initiative is part of FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, which focuses on modernizing the electric grid through various transmission and distribution improvements. Under this multi-year program, the company aims to meet the evolving energy needs of its customers while ensuring the reliability and resilience of the power supply, particularly in regions like Lebanon County where industrial activities are surging. With Met-Ed serving approximately 592,000 customers across 3,300 square miles in eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania, such infrastructure enhancements will be pivotal in sustaining economic growth in the region.