FirstEnergy's Winter Preparations Ensure Reliable Power for West Virginia Residents
FirstEnergy's Winter Preparations Ensure Reliable Power for West Virginia Residents
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, FirstEnergy Corp. is taking proactive steps to ensure a steady and safe electric supply for its West Virginia customers. With the anticipated rise in electrical demand during the colder months, both Mon Power and Potomac Edison have completed crucial inspections and maintenance across their service areas. This comprehensive preparation aims to enhance the reliability of the electric system and ensure the comfort of the customers through the winter season.
Jim Myers, Vice President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Operations, underscores the importance of their initiatives: "Ensuring our system is well-prepared for the challenges of winter weather is crucial. These proactive steps will help us provide safe and reliable power to keep our customers comfortable in the coming months."
System Preparedness Through Rigorous Inspections
To prepare for winter, personnel from Mon Power and Potomac Edison have systematically inspected substation equipment and winterized control buildings. These steps are essential to ensure that critical components of the electric system function seamlessly during harsh weather conditions.
Utilizing advanced technologies, electricians employed thermovision cameras to inspect crucial components. This innovative technology captures infrared images, revealing potential issues that might be invisible to the naked eye. It can uncover problems like loose connections and corrosion, allowing workers to address these concerns proactively and mitigate the risk of future power outages.
Tree trimming operations have also been ongoing throughout the year. This essential maintenance helps maintain appropriate clearances around electrical systems, safeguarding against weather-related outages caused by snow, high winds, or ice. Mon Power and Potomac Edison contractors are expected to complete trimming along approximately 6,800 miles of power lines by year-end, a vital effort in ensuring uninterrupted service during winter.
Condition of Equipment and Vehicles
In addition to inspections of electrical infrastructure, FirstEnergy has also conducted thorough checks on its vehicles, including bucket trucks and other equipment. Critical checks included evaluating tire conditions and air braking systems, which can be impacted by freezing conditions. Moreover, snow removal equipment is readied to ensure that employees can safely access work sites and company facilities even in severe weather.
At Fort Martin Power Station and Harrison Power Station, Mon Power has completed essential maintenance on plant equipment and finalized its winterization plan to ensure these facilities perform optimally during winter months.
Energy-Efficient Tips for Customers
In anticipation of the winter storm season, FirstEnergy encourages customers to remain vigilant about their energy usage and offers several tips for managing their electricity bills effectively:
1. Seal leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to keep out drafts.
2. Close the fireplace damper when not in use to prevent heat loss.
3. Adjust drapes: Close them at night and only open those receiving direct sunlight during the day.
4. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to optimize heating schedules, lowering warmth when no one is home.
5. Check furnace filters regularly, as clogged filters can lead to higher energy usage.
6. Increase insulation if it's less than six inches to boost energy efficiency.
7. Explore payment arrangements and assistance programs for those struggling to manage bills, detailed on their website.
With Mon Power serving nearly 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia and Potomac Edison catering to about 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle, FirstEnergy is committed to operational excellence, safety, and reliability. Customers can always stay updated with restoration progress and explore more winter preps through FirstEnergy's 24/7 Power Center online.
To follow updates, Mon Power can be found on mon-power.com, while Potomac Edison’s services can be accessed at potomacedison.com. For more on FirstEnergy, visit firstenergycorp.com.
Photos and videos related to the preparations and efforts are available for public access through their media channels.
Topics Energy）
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