Equipment supports ongoing reliability improvements to help reduce outages for customers
LAKEWOOD, Ohio, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric company The Illuminating Co. has reached a key milestone in its efforts to improve electric reliability in Lakewood and West Cleveland with the delivery of its first new transformer to the Lakewood Substation. Transformers are critical pieces of equipment that regulate voltage and help deliver electricity safely and reliably to homes and businesses.
The transformer, weighing about 55 tons (equivalent to nine adult elephants), was transported by truck from Roanoke, VA, to the substation on Athens Avenue – nearly 500 miles and a five-day commute – and lifted into place by crane. The installation marks a visible step forward in a broader plan to strengthen the local electric system and help improve reliability for nearly 11,000 customers.
A second, identical transformer will be delivered to a local Illuminating Co. service center the week of June 29 before being moved to the Lakewood Substation later this summer. Each transformer represents an approximately $1.85 million investment, including equipment, transportation, installation, etc.
"The delivery of these transformers is an important step in building a stronger, more resilient electric system for Lakewood," said Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio. "Our customers depend on reliable power, and these investments will help us deliver on that commitment and support the community's future needs."
Building Better Reliability for Customers
Once both transformers are installed at the Lakewood Substation, customers can expect improved grid reliability, including the potential for reduced outage durations and faster service restoration times.
The substation will also gain greater back up capacity. This added flexibility gives crews more options to shift load and restore power more efficiently during outages and periods of peak demand.
In addition to improving reliability for customers directly served by the Lakewood Substation, this upgrade may also benefit surrounding communities. With increased capacity and flexibility, Lakewood circuits could potentially be used to help restore service to customers supplied by neighboring substations during outages, further strengthening overall system reliability in the area.
Investments Already Making a Difference
The transformer installations are part of a series of upgrades already improving reliability in the Lakewood area, including: