FAIRMONT – – November 02, 2026 -- Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) unit, has asked the State Corporation Commission of Virginia to approve a rebuild of about 29 miles of 138 kV transmission lines, with an in-service date of December 2030 for the Virginia portion.
The Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project covers lines running through West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. The Virginia work spans Frederick, Clarke and Loudoun counties. Potomac Edison filed the Virginia application on Oct. 30, 2026. Construction is planned to start in 2028, pending approvals.
Two new 138 kV lines to link Stonewall and Woodside substations
The project includes two new 138 kV lines between the existing Stonewall Substation and the proposed Woodside Substation in Frederick County. Almost all of the work will sit within existing power line routes, which the company says limits environmental and community effects.
Three-state permitting runs on separate timelines
Potomac Edison must obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in each state. The permit confirms the project is needed and meets statutory requirements. The company filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission in March 2026. It expects to file with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia next month.
PJM awarded the project in 2023 to address reliability concerns
PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, awarded the project to Potomac Edison in 2023 after soliciting proposals on system reliability. The company says the upgrade would increase the amount of electricity the lines can carry during peak demand, such as extreme heat or cold. It also says the upgrade would make it easier to connect new generation sources, including renewables.
Chris Beam, FirstEnergy President of West Virginia/Maryland, called the project a "practical way to strengthen the existing grid" while preparing for future regional energy needs. He said building along existing routes allows capacity and reliability gains with limited community impact.
The project is part of FirstEnergy's $36 billion capital investment plan. Potomac Edison says it will continue engaging local communities and stakeholders during the regulatory review.