Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary, announced on November 2, 2026 that it filed an application with the State Corporation Commission of Virginia on October 30, 2026, seeking approval for the Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project, a 138 kV transmission line rebuild spanning parts of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Key Highlights

  • Virginia application filed October 30, 2026: Potomac Edison submitted its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application with the State Corporation Commission of Virginia for the Virginia portion of the project.
  • Approximately 29 miles of 138 kV lines: The project includes a rebuild of approximately 29 miles of 138 kV transmission lines in Frederick, Clarke, and Loudoun counties in Virginia.
  • Two new 138 kV lines planned: Two new 138 kV lines will be constructed between the existing Stonewall Substation and the proposed Woodside Substation in Frederick County.
  • PJM awarded the project in 2023: PJM Interconnection awarded the project to Potomac Edison in 2023 following a process to address system reliability concerns.
  • Construction start planned for 2028: Pending regulatory approvals, construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with an anticipated in-service date of December 2030 for the Virginia portion.
  • Part of a $36 billion capital plan: According to the filing, the project is part of FirstEnergy's $36 billion capital investment plan.

Potomac Edison Pursues Multi-State Regulatory Approvals for Transmission Rebuild

According to the announcement, Potomac Edison filed its application for the Virginia portion of the Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvements Project with the State Corporation Commission of Virginia on October 30, 2026. The project involves rebuilding approximately 29 miles of 138 kV transmission lines running through Frederick, Clarke, and Loudoun counties in Virginia, and is described as being located "almost entirely within existing power line routes to minimize effects on the environment and nearby communities."

The filing notes that Potomac Edison previously submitted its Maryland Public Service Commission application in March 2026, and anticipates filing with the Public Service Commission of West Virginia the following month. In each state, the company disclosed, it is required to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, described as "a permit that confirms the Project is needed and meets relevant statutory requirements." Pending all approvals, construction is planned to start in 2028, with an anticipated in-service date of December 2030 for the Virginia portion.

The announcement states that PJM Interconnection, described as "the regional organization that operates the electric grid," awarded the project to Potomac Edison in 2023 after seeking proposals to address system reliability concerns. The project, according to the filing, will also add new 500-kV lines to existing power line routes and is intended to help meet growing power needs, enhance grid reliability, facilitate connection of new electricity sources including renewable energy, and support cost-efficient electricity transmission. FirstEnergy Corp. is listed on NYSE:FE, and Chris Beam, identified as FirstEnergy President of West Virginia/Maryland, was quoted in the announcement regarding the project's purpose.

What Was Disclosed

Potomac Edison disclosed its October 30, 2026 Virginia CPCN filing for a multi-state 138 kV transmission rebuild, with Maryland already filed in March 2026 and a West Virginia filing anticipated next month. Construction is planned to begin in 2028, with a December 2030 target in-service date for Virginia.