POTOMAC EDISION SELECTS TRANSGARD

Potomac Edison has installed new TransGard fencing at an Allegany County (MD) substation.  Potomac Edison joins other FirstEnergy companies in choosing TransGard to deter climbing animals and protect against electrical equipment interference that can cause power outages.

Unlike other types of animal traps and deterrents, the special fencing installed by Potomac Edison prevents a wide range of climbing animals – including squirrels, raccoons, opossums, cats, frogs and others – from accessing the substation equipment and discourages them from trying again.

Squirrels and other climbing animals have a highly developed memory that enables them to remember locations for food, warmth and shelter. With one brief contact with a fence panel, animals learn that a substation is not a welcoming location to visit and typically avoid it in the future.

The Cumberland substation serves nearly 3,800 customers in Allegany County. Potomac Edison has installed this special fencing at 17 substations across its service territory since 2014 and has seen a sharp decline in substation outages due to animals as a result.