EV Industry Leads FirstEnergy to Add Line in Lordstown

LORDSTOWN, Ohio – FirstEnergy has started work on new transmission infrastructure to meet the energy demands of the Mahoning Valley’s growing electric vehicle industry.

The $19.6 million project includes the construction of a high-voltage line and substation that will provide service to the Ultium Cells battery plant in Lordstown. Crews have already completed foundation work and put up the substation’s steel skeleton.

“With the EV industry bringing new employment and business development opportunities to the Mahoning Valley, we are keeping pace by upgrading our system to meet the growing demand for safe and reliable power,” said FirstEnergy spokeswoman Lauren Siburkis in a statement. “This is an exciting time for EV development in our region and the entire country, and we are proud to support work to help advance this industry while strengthening our system for customers in the area.”

The line will connect to an existing high-voltage line nearby, providing a backup power feed for nearby customers in the event wires or equipment are damaged or need to be taken out of service.

A third high-voltage line is planned to accommodate further energy needs as the development at Ultium, Lordstown Motors Corp. and The TJX Companies continues. Work is set to begin in April.

Pictured: FirstEnergy workers install new power lines in Lordstown near the TJX distribution center.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.