11-04-2025
Penelec completes system upgrades for Venango, Crawford Counties
(WJET/WFXP)– Penelec customers in Crawford and Venango Counties should see fewer disruptions in their power following upgrades made to a powerline that's been subject to plenty of issues over the past few years.
Penelec announced they've completed a project upgrading a 13-mile powerline that helps supply power to people in Cochranton, Utica, Polk and nearby communities to reduce those interruptions, particularly during severe weather.
More REAL ID Days planned for Erie, Crawford, McKean Mercer Co.
Over the course of the project, Penelec said they replaced 42 poles, 53 crossarms and nearly 700 older porcelain insulators along with replacing two switches that allow line workers to isolate damage and temporarily reroute power to customers.
Crews also installed a new remote-control switch to re-route power in the event of an outage so crews can make repairs when the previous equipment had to be operated on-site so outages could be dealt with.
Car thefts dropped in 2024 but which cars were still stolen the most?
'Over time, severe weather takes a toll on exposed electrical infrastructure, and this project allows us to proactively address equipment that has served our customers well for many years but needed to be updated. Utility poles are the backbone of the distribution system, and this work should enhance the reliability of electric service for customers in these rural communities for years to come,' said President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania John Hawkins.
Work on the project started in November 2024 and is part of Penelec's $538 million Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan to make smarter, more secure grids that meet higher demands for electricity.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
