A major upgrade to the electric grid is underway to bring more electricity to the region and support faster power restoration for more than 6,000 FirstEnergy customers in Berks County.
Construction of a new substation near the Reading Regional Airport and a nearly four-mile transmission line began last month, and is expected to be in service before the end of the year.
Planning for the long-delayed project has stretched back a decade, with much of the last five years dedicated to obtaining permission from local property owners to run power lines across their land.
FirstEnergy officials said the work is designed to reduce outages and improve service reliability around Reading, Leesport and Bern Township as well as support future economic growth.
(Corey McCarty/MediaNews Group)
Mark Mroczynski, president of transmission for FirstEnergy, said that with valuable input from community members and public officials the company is delivering a project that reflects their feedback and supports what matters most to the region.
“This solution enhances service reliability for everyday customers while helping to attract new jobs, new families and new opportunities,” he said. “We’re proud to help carry that momentum forward by investing in the power infrastructure needed to meet today’s demand and tomorrow’s potential.”
He said the $30 million project is moving forward with support from the Berks County commissioners and local development agencies, who have played a pivotal role since the project was first proposed.
FirstEnergy officials said a new substation is designed to reduce outages and improve service reliability around Reading, Leesport and Bern Township as well as support future economic growth. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Mroczynski said the work is like upgrading from a two-lane road to a four-lane highway. With more capacity and stronger infrastructure, the system can better handle increased traffic and bounce back faster when issues occur.
Berks Commissioner Chairman Christian Leinbach said the project is a critical investment in the future.
“Strengthening the power grid means more reliable electric service for our residents and businesses,” he said. “This initiative paves the way for economic growth across the region, especially the area surrounding the Reading Regional Airport.
“It provides the power for existing businesses to expand and attract new businesses while moving our community forward,” he continued.
Jeffrey Rush, chairman of Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Board of Directors, said resilient energy infrastructure is foundational to business attraction, retention and expansion.
“These improvements strengthen our competitive position and support long-term economic growth across the region,” he said.
Mroczynski said the project is just one part of its larger investment program to modernize and strengthen the electric grid.
“FirstEnergy plans to invest $36 billion between 2026 and 2030 to build a smarter, more resilient grid that meets the evolving needs of communities across the region,” he said.
Construction of a FirstEnergy substation along Leisz’s Bridge Road in Bern Township near the Reading Regional Airport and a nearly four-mile transmission line began last month. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)