READING, PA — FirstEnergy Pennsylvania has begun construction on a new transmission substation and nearly four-mile power line in Berks County to strengthen the electric grid and improve reliability for more than 6,000 customers, the company announced.
The Van Reed 69-kV Transmission Project, led by Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC, a FirstEnergy transmission company, includes building a substation in Bern Township and installing a high-voltage line on wood and steel poles. The upgrades are intended to reduce outages in Reading, Bern Township and Leesport and support regional growth.
Construction started in early January, and the project is expected to be placed in service before the end of the year, according to FirstEnergy.
Mark Mroczynski, president of transmission for FirstEnergy, said the project reflects input from local officials and community members.
“This solution enhances service reliability for everyday customers while helping to attract new jobs, new families and new opportunities,” Mroczynski said.
The company said the improvements are designed to handle higher demand during extreme weather and provide additional backup power sources that can reroute electricity during outages, resulting in fewer disruptions and faster restoration.
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach said the investment is intended to support long-term economic development, including areas near the Reading Regional Airport.
“Strengthening the power grid means more reliable electric service for our residents and businesses,” Leinbach said.
Jeffrey Rush, board chairman of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, said reliable energy infrastructure is important for business attraction and expansion.
The approximately $30 million project is part of FirstEnergy’s Energize365 program, a long-term grid modernization plan. The company has said it plans to invest $36 billion between 2026 and 2030 across its service territory, including approximately $13 billion in Pennsylvania for transmission and distribution upgrades.
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