FirstEnergy Transmission Awarded Projects by PJM Interconnection to Enhance Reliability and Address Rising Customer Demand
MWN-AI** Summary
FirstEnergy Transmission LLC (FET) has been chosen by PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization, to undertake several critical projects aimed at enhancing the reliability of the electric grid in Ohio and Pennsylvania. This initiative includes a substantial investment of approximately $950 million for grid modernization, which encompasses rebuilding older infrastructure and upgrading substations. Notably, these projects will be executed through a joint venture called Grid Growth Ventures LLC with Transource Energy LLC, as well as through FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries American Transmission Systems Incorporated (ATSI) and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC (MAIT).
Approved on February 12, as part of PJM's 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, the investments will support the growing demand driven by new residents and businesses. Mark Mroczynski, President of Transmission at FirstEnergy, emphasized the commitment to ensuring that the power system is prepared for future challenges, which is critical for maintaining reliable electricity for families and businesses alike.
Among the approved projects is an investment of about $490 million to construct nearly 200 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines in the Columbus, Ohio area. Additionally, ATSI will spend $294 million on local upgrades, including a new substation and line replacements. In Pennsylvania, MAIT plans to invest $165 million to enhance capacity and improve existing lines.
These upgrades aim to bolster system reliability, reduce outages, support local economic growth, and accommodate future infrastructure needs. Notably, since 2014, FirstEnergy has significantly decreased outage rates on high-voltage lines, highlighting the success of their infrastructure investments. The company is now moving forward with detailed planning to responsibly implement these projects, emphasizing safety and community engagement throughout the process.
MWN-AI** Analysis
FirstEnergy Transmission's recent selection for multiple enhancement projects by PJM Interconnection signals a pivotal moment for the company and its stakeholders. With an investment of approximately $950 million slated to bolster infrastructure in Ohio and Pennsylvania, these initiatives position FirstEnergy to not only improve reliability but also meet rising customer demand. For investors and market participants, this development may present a dual opportunity: reinforcing FirstEnergy’s commitment to growth and enhancing operational efficiency.
The significant modernization of transmission lines and substations aims to alleviate grid congestion akin to expanding a busy highway. The strategic focus on upgrading both older infrastructure and constructing new high-capacity circuits will likely strengthen FirstEnergy's operational capabilities and improve customer experience through fewer outages. Evidence from prior infrastructure investments indicates that FirstEnergy's efforts have already reduced outages by 50% since 2014, underscoring a trajectory of reliability that is critical for attracting new businesses and supporting local economies.
Given the approval of these projects under the PJM’s 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, stakeholders should consider how these upgrades align with broader market trends, particularly in the renewable energy sector, which increasingly demands robust and reliable grid infrastructure.
Moreover, as FirstEnergy prepares to commence detailed planning—including environmental reviews and community engagement—investors should monitor the company's execution of these projects against timelines and budgets. Successful completion will enhance investor confidence and support FirstEnergy’s longer-term growth narrative.
In summary, while market conditions evolve, FirstEnergy Transmission represents a bullish case for maintaining a balanced portfolio committed to sustainable energy and community investment. Stakeholders would do well to keep a close watch on the progress of these projects as indicators of the company’s future performance and market position.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
AKRON, Ohio, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Transmission LLC (FET) has been selected by regional transmission grid operator PJM Interconnection LLC to build several important projects that will make the power grid stronger, more reliable and ready for future growth in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
As part of this effort, FET will invest about $950 million to modernize equipment, rebuild older lines and upgrade substations. Some of these projects will be carried out through the Grid Growth Ventures LLC joint venture with Transource Energy LLC, while others will be built directly by FET subsidiaries American Transmission Systems Incorporated (ATSI) and Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC (MAIT) in their respective service territories.
FET submitted the projects through PJM's 2025 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) open window process, and the PJM Board of Managers approved them on Feb. 12. PJM is the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of electricity across the 13?state region that includes FirstEnergy's service territories.
Mark Mroczynski, President, Transmission at FirstEnergy: "We want every family, business and community in our service area to feel confident that our power system is ready for the future. These improvements will help ensure the grid keeps up with growing communities and the everyday moments people count on electricity for. Being selected by PJM reflects our commitment to dependable service and smart, cost-conscious investments that support our region as it grows."
Think of the electric grid as a system of highways that carry electricity instead of cars. As more families and businesses move into an area, those "electric highways" can start to feel crowded. Clearing bottlenecks on the grid is like adding extra lanes to a busy road—everything moves more smoothly, and it helps prevent power problems, including outages. FET's projects are designed to build bigger, stronger electric highways so power can travel more safely, cost-efficiently and quickly to the homes, schools and businesses that rely on it every day.
The FET projects approved by PJM include the following:
- Through Grid Growth Ventures, FET is investing approximately $490 million to build nearly 200 miles of new 765-kilovolt (kV) lines to significantly increase service reliability and economic growth opportunities in the greater Columbus, Ohio, region. The Grid Growth projects also include construction of approximately 30 miles of 345?kV transmission lines. The total cost of this project is estimated at $1.2 billion.
- In Ohio, ATSI is investing $294 million, including:
- $251 million to construct a new substation in Clark County where two major power lines meet and upgrade a line in the area. Think of this like building a major intersection so electricity can switch directions more easily and travel faster where it's needed. This project will support the Grid Growth work.
- $43 million to replace breakers in Lake and Erie counties, upgrade high-voltage lines in Ottawa, Erie and Huron counties and rebuild a 69-kV line in Lorain County. This work is similar to improving a busy neighborhood road by installing new stoplights to improve traffic flow, repaving the road so it's smoother and safer and rebuilding a side street that's worn out.
- In Pennsylvania, MAIT is investing $165 million, including:
- $72 million to rebuild an existing 115-kV line into a double circuit line in York and Adams counties. This is like turning a two-lane road into a four-lane road so more electricity can move at once, especially during high demand periods.
- $93 million to upgrade and tie in existing 500-kV lines in Armstrong and Indiana counties. This is like building a new bridge between two crowded highways so electricity can move more easily without getting backed up.
What This Means for Customers
These upgrades in Ohio and Pennsylvania will help:
- Improve reliability so customers experience fewer outages.
- Support new businesses and jobs, boosting the local economy.
- Prepare the grid for future growth, including new homes, businesses and technology.
- Replace older equipment to keep the system running smoothly and cost-effectively.
Since 2014, FirstEnergy's transmission companies have collectively reduced outages by 50% on high-voltage power lines – proof that the companies' strategic infrastructure investments are making the grid more reliable for customers.
FirstEnergy is beginning the detailed planning work needed to move these projects forward. This includes studying possible routes, meeting with local communities, gathering feedback and completing careful environmental reviews. Taking these steps early helps ensure the projects are built responsibly with a strong focus on safety, reliability and the needs of the customers and communities.
Learn more about the value of a modern transmission system through FirstEnergy's video series "Why a Modern Transmission System Matters to You" on the company's YouTube channel.
Jointly owned by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) and Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners, FET is the equity investor in Grid Growth Ventures and owns and operates ATSI, MAIT and Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company (TrAILCo).
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.
SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
FAQ**
How will the investments made by FirstEnergy Corp. FE in modernizing equipment and rebuilding transmission lines specifically enhance reliability and address rising customer demand in Ohio and Pennsylvania?
What economic growth opportunities are expected to arise from the construction of nearly 200 miles of new 765-kV lines by FirstEnergy Corp. FE through its Grid Growth Ventures joint venture with Transource Energy LLC?
Can you elaborate on the safety and environmental review processes FirstEnergy Corp. FE plans to implement as part of the detailed planning work for these transmission projects?
How does FirstEnergy Corp. FE plan to ensure ongoing community engagement and feedback during the lengthy planning and construction phases of the infrastructure projects awarded by PJM Interconnection?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE).
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