FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE), through its Potomac Edison subsidiary, proposed a $52.8 million Maryland distribution-rate adjustment to support investment in aging infrastructure, grid modernization and electric-system reliability. If approved, the request would increase the average residential customer's monthly bill by approximately 5.3%.
Potomac Edison said its electric rates were 25% below the average of its in-state peers as of June 1. The utility expects its residential rates to remain the lowest among Maryland's investor-owned electric utilities even after the proposed adjustment.
The proposed reliability program includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition technology, replacement of substation reclosers, new circuit ties and automation, overhead-conductor upgrades, aging underground-cable replacement and removal of high-risk trees near power lines. The Maryland Public Service Commission must review and approve the request before any adjustment can take effect.
The proposal connects the requested revenue to specific reliability investments. SCADA technology can give operators greater visibility into system conditions, while reclosers, circuit ties, and automation can isolate problems and reroute electricity. These capabilities can reduce the number of customers affected by outages and shorten restoration times.
Reconductoring, underground-cable replacement and vegetation management address physical causes of service interruptions. The investments could also improve resilience during severe weather, potentially lowering emergency-response costs and reducing the disruption experienced by customers.
#proposed #maryland #aging
Potomac Edison said its electric rates were 25% below the average of its in-state peers as of June 1. The utility expects its residential rates to remain the lowest among Maryland's investor-owned electric utilities even after the proposed adjustment.
The proposed reliability program includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition technology, replacement of substation reclosers, new circuit ties and automation, overhead-conductor upgrades, aging underground-cable replacement and removal of high-risk trees near power lines. The Maryland Public Service Commission must review and approve the request before any adjustment can take effect.
The proposal connects the requested revenue to specific reliability investments. SCADA technology can give operators greater visibility into system conditions, while reclosers, circuit ties, and automation can isolate problems and reroute electricity. These capabilities can reduce the number of customers affected by outages and shorten restoration times.
Reconductoring, underground-cable replacement and vegetation management address physical causes of service interruptions. The investments could also improve resilience during severe weather, potentially lowering emergency-response costs and reducing the disruption experienced by customers.
#proposed #maryland #aging
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