Potomac Edison Seeks Approval for Power Line Upgrades in Maryland

Proposed project aims to improve grid reliability and support economic growth in Frederick and Montgomery counties.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:36pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished, metallic electrical transformer or power line component floating on a clean, monochromatic background, dramatically lit to represent the abstract concepts of grid reliability and infrastructure upgrades.A modernized power grid component symbolizes Potomac Edison's efforts to improve reliability and support economic growth in Frederick and Montgomery counties.Frederick Today

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is seeking approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to move forward with a transmission project that will upgrade 18 miles of power lines in Frederick and Montgomery counties. The project is designed to make the power grid more reliable for area residents and businesses, and support future economic growth.

Why it matters

The proposed upgrades are part of the larger Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project, which was awarded by PJM Interconnection in 2023 to enhance grid reliability and accommodate increasing electricity demand in the region. By utilizing existing power line routes, the project aims to minimize environmental and community impacts.

The details

The Maryland portion of the project will upgrade 18 miles of Potomac Edison's transmission lines and utilize existing power line corridors. The Maryland Public Service Commission will review Potomac Edison's Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application, which confirms the project's need and compliance with safety, reliability, and cost requirements. If approved, construction is planned to start in 2028 and be completed by 2031.

  • The Maryland PSC will begin reviewing Potomac Edison's CPCN application.
  • If approved, construction on the Maryland portion of the project is planned to start in 2028.
  • The estimated completion date for the Maryland portion of the project is 2031.

The players

Potomac Edison

A subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. that serves about 285,000 customers in seven counties in Maryland and 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

FirstEnergy Corp.

An electric utility company that operates one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in several states.

Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC)

The state agency that will review Potomac Edison's CPCN application and determine if the project is needed and meets requirements for safety, reliability, and fair cost.

PJM Interconnection

The regional organization that operates the electric grid and awarded the Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project in 2023.

Mark Mroczynski

The President of Transmission at FirstEnergy.

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What they’re saying

“This project is about making sure families and businesses have reliable power when they need it most. By strengthening and upgrading lines that are already in place, we can improve reliability and address growing electricity use while minimizing impacts to the communities we serve.”

— Mark Mroczynski, President, Transmission at FirstEnergy

What’s next

The Maryland Public Service Commission will begin reviewing Potomac Edison's CPCN application. If approved, construction on the Maryland portion of the project is planned to start in 2028 and be completed by 2031.

The takeaway

The proposed power line upgrades by Potomac Edison aim to improve grid reliability and support future economic growth in Frederick and Montgomery counties, while minimizing environmental and community impacts by utilizing existing power line corridors.