FirstEnergy Energizes New Substation in Northampton County, Enhancing Power Reliability for 5,400 Customers

FirstEnergy Corp. has energized the new Klecknersville Substation in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, improving power reliability for 5,400 customers. The substation is part of the $28 billion Energize365 investment program aimed at modernizing the electric grid from 2025 to 2029. The substation features smart grid technology, allowing for automatic problem detection and quicker service restoration. The upgrade reduces distances between power lines and improves service efficiency and reliability.

FirstEnergy Corp. has recently energized the new Klecknersville Substation in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, significantly improving power reliability for 5,400 customers. The substation, part of the company's $28 billion Energize365 investment program, aims to modernize the electric grid between 2025 and 2029. The project is designed to enhance service efficiency and reliability by reducing the distance between power lines and incorporating smart grid technology.

The Klecknersville Substation replaces older power lines that stretched 15 to 20 miles from the Northwood Substation in Palmer Township, through wooded areas prone to tree damage and vehicle accidents. The new substation delivers electricity more efficiently over shorter 5 to 10-mile lines, reducing the risk of outages. Additionally, the substation features smart grid technology, which includes automated devices that can detect and isolate problems automatically, restore service remotely without dispatching a crew, and pinpoint outage locations to speed up repairs. These upgrades mean fewer, shorter, and less widespread outages for customers [1][2][3].

The project also includes wildlife guards to prevent animal-related outages. The substation is equipped with rubber boots and sleeves that keep squirrels and other climbing animals away from energized equipment. This added layer of protection further enhances the reliability and safety of the electric grid.

John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, stated, "Five years in the making, this substation is a big win for the community. It not only strengthens the grid for 5,400 Met-Ed customers but also eases the load on our Northwood Substation and enhances electric service for customers in Palmer Township, especially during periods of high demand like we've experienced during this hot summer" [1][2][3].

The Klecknersville Substation is a significant milestone in FirstEnergy's broader initiative to modernize its electric grid. By incorporating smart technology and reducing the distance between power lines, the company aims to provide a more reliable and efficient service to its customers in Northampton County and beyond.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-met-ed-substation-brings-stronger-and-more-reliable-power-to-northampton-county-302525321.html
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20250808cl47354/new-met-ed-substation-brings-stronger-and-more-reliable-power-to-northampton-county
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/met-ed-substation-brings-stronger-145500244.html