AKRON, Ohio - Nearly 10,000 residents and businesses in rural Trumbull and Ashtabula counties are scheduled to see improved electric service as a major grid upgrade approaches completion this month, according to FirstEnergy.

American Transmission Systems, Inc., a FirstEnergy company, rebuilt an 11.5-mile high-voltage transmission line to help decrease service outages and shorten restoration times.

The $19 million project replaces older infrastructure with new components, including 140 new steel structures. Many of the new poles are set in deep concrete foundations, allowing them to better withstand severe weather and vehicle impact.

The new line will connect with the existing grid, which is expected to allow for easier power rerouting during service interruptions.

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