The second phase of construction on new electric transmission infrastructure in Trumbull County, Ohio, is underway by FirstEnergy Corp. to support the energy demands of the area's rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) industry. The work is also expected to help reduce the frequency and duration of power outages experienced by Ohio Edison customers in the area. As part of the $12 million project, FirstEnergy utility workers are building a new, high-voltage power line in Lordstown to accommodate the projected future energy needs of Ultium Cells LLC ? an EV battery-cell manufacturing plant jointly backed by General Motors and South Korea's LG Energy Solution. The new 138-kilovolt (kV) line extends approximately 3.5 miles to connect electric substations in the area and will strengthen the regional transmission system to benefit more than 15,000 Ohio Edison customers in Lordstown and nearby communities. When completed, the new line will offer a backup power feed that will help keep the lights on for customers if wires or equipment on their regular line are damaged or need to be taken out of service. To help minimize the project's impact on local communities and the environment, two miles of the new power line will utilize existing steel towers along a FirstEnergy transmission corridor. The remaining work will require new construction of steel and wood structures. The project is expected to be completed in early 2022. The work underway builds upon the company's completion of a nearly $20 million project, which included the construction of a new transmission substation and a short, high-voltage power line to provide electric service to Ultium Cells LLC. The company's nearly 3 million-square-foot facility is expected to bring approximately 1,100 jobs to the area. Additional work completed in the area includes the installation of new automated technology and equipment to enhance service reliability for hundreds of residents and businesses.