Bethlen-Ethel Springs 138-kV Transmission Line Project

At FirstEnergy, it is our responsibility to deliver the power our customers depend on in their daily lives. Keystone Appalachian Transmission Company (“KATCo”), a FirstEnergy company, has identified a need for a new 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, to enhance service reliability for distribution customers.

KATCo is evaluating alternative routes for the new line through portions of Derry Township, Ligonier Township and Ligonier Borough in Westmoreland County, from the existing Ethel Spring Substation to the existing Bethlen Substation.

KATCo evaluated the existing transmission system in the area and identified the need to construct a new 138-kV transmission line to connect the existing Ethel Springs Substation to the existing Bethlen Substation. The line will extend approximately 8 to 10 miles and will be supported primarily by steel pole structures. The project is needed to reinforce the transmission and distribution systems and will enhance service reliability for approximately 11,200 customers in Westmoreland County.

The project has been presented to PJM, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in Pennsylvania and 12 other states.

Project Documents & Links: 

• Route Options Aerial Map
• Fact Sheet
• Virtual Meeting Room
• Interactive Project Map
• PJM Slides

Public Engagement:

KATCo will host an in-person public information meeting located at the RK Mellon Elementary School Gymnasium on Wednesday February 7, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. EST. 

RK Mellon Elementary School Gymnasium
559 Bell Street
Ligonier, PA 15658

A virtual public meeting those that cannot attend can be viewed at: firstenergycorp.consultation.ai/bethlen-ethelsprings.  

 

Questions:

Public comments will be considered as part of KATCo’s further evaluation of routing alternatives that will be presented in an application to filed with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for approval.  If you have comments or questions please feel free to view the information available on the website and reach out to leave a message for the project team at 1-888-311-4737 or send an email to transmissionprojects@firstenergycorp.com. Written comments or questions about the Project will also be accepted and can be addressed to: Attention Bethlen Ethel Springs 138 kV Project Team, 76 S. Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308.