LORDSTOWN, Ohio - FirstEnergy is preparing to power Voltage Valley with construction beginning on new electric transmission infrastructure in Trumbull County.

The $12 million project will bring a new, high-voltage power line in Lordstown to accommodate the area's expanding electric vehicle industry.

Power system upgrades in Lordstown are being installed as the General Motors EV battery cell plant and Lordstown Motors continue to develop.

The 138-kilovolt line extends approximately 3.5 miles to connect substations in the area and strengthen the regional transmission system.

The new line is also expected to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages for Ohio Edison customers in that area.

“We’re proud to support work to help advance business development in the region while strengthening our system to meet the growing demand for safe and reliable power for many years to come,” Ed Shuttleworth, President of FirstEnergy’s Ohio operations said.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2022.

This project expands on the completion of a nearly $20 million project that included the construction of a new substation and voltage power line to provide electric service to Utlium Cells LLC.