Potomac Edison Proposes Transmission Grid Upgrades in Virginia

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has submitted an application to the State Corporation Commission of Virginia for the Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project. The initiative involves the reconstruction of roughly 29 miles of 138 kV transmission lines across Frederick, Clarke, and Loudoun counties to address rising regional energy demand.

Awarded to the company by PJM Interconnection in 2023, the project is intended to increase the grid's capacity to handle surges in energy use during periods of extreme weather. The infrastructure upgrades are designed to function similarly to additional lanes on a highway, allowing electricity to move more efficiently while facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.

Pending necessary approvals from regulatory commissions in Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, construction is scheduled to commence in 2028. The Virginia segment is expected to be operational by December 2030. The company plans to utilize existing utility corridors to minimize land-use impacts on local communities.