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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Pocahontas County will be part of a $5 million federal project to rebuild power lines.
Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that Monongahela Power Company will receive $5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to rebuild more than 23 miles of power-distribution lines in Pocahontas, Braxton and Clay counties, and to connect a two-mile tie line with the Petersburg Substation.
This project will help to increase grid reliability for more than 3,000 West Virginians.
"West Virginia is America's energy powerhouse, but for far too many of our people, reliable and affordable electricity has become hard to come by," Manchin said.
"This funding will help to ensure that West Virginians in Pocahontas, Braxton and Clay counties have a reliable source of energy to keep their homes and businesses powered, especially as we enter warmer months. I am so proud that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for West Virginians," Manchin said.
The "Rural Rebuild and Reconductor" project will upgrade distribution lines to increase grid reliability for more than 3,000 customers in rural West Virginia; deliver measurable benefits to energy customers in rural or remote areas by improving resilience; and engage with community-based organizations, labor unions, and educational institutions to address workforce disparity gaps for historically under-resourced communities.
The project's upgrades would greatly increase grid reliability and resilience for 3,000 rural, disadvantaged customers in West Virginia. "This project's upgraded distribution lines would enable the Monongahela Power Company (Mon Power) and West Virginia affiliated utility Potomac Edison to safely restore service faster by rerouting customers to an adjacent circuit while making repairs during an outage," a press release states.
"Monongahela Power Company, the selectee, plans to partner with community-based organizations, labor unions, and educational institutions to address workforce disparity gaps for historically under-resourced communities. Additionally, their apprenticeship and internship programs would help develop a knowledgeable workforce to support the region's current and future clean energy needs.
"Committed to building trust, the project partners have engaged with more than 560 city, county, state, and non-profit agencies during the past year – providing two-way engagement and community updates, while incorporating feedback into project plans," the release states.