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Staying Safe and Saving Energy During Severe Cold

As the region braces for an extreme cold snap, FirstEnergy Corp. reminds its customers of the critical steps they can take to ensure safety and effectively manage their energy consumption. Predicted forecasts indicate that sub-zero temperatures will impact all six states within FirstEnergy's service area, which may lead to a spike in electric bills as heating demands rise. Here’s how to navigate these challenging conditions while maintaining safety and energy efficiency.

Preparing for Extreme Cold

FirstEnergy is proactively preparing for the harsh winter weather by conducting inspections on essential electrical equipment and reviewing staffing levels and operational protocols to ensure swift responses to any outages. The company is continuously communicating with regional grid operators for enhanced readiness during extreme cold, minimizing the potential impact of the severe weather on electric service.

Essential Safety Tips

FirstEnergy emphasizes the importance of safety during these freezing conditions. Here are several recommendations:

• - Heating Appliances: Always supervise heating devices like space heaters and electric blankets; they should not be used while asleep. Never fold an electric blanket while in use to avoid overheating and potential fire hazards.
• - Space Heaters: Only use heaters designed for indoor settings and keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials.
• - Carbon Monoxide Risks: Avoid using gas stovetops, charcoal grills, or outdoor lanterns inside your home, as this poses significant carbon monoxide poisoning risks.
• - Generators: Portable generators must be used outdoors and away from windows and doors; never operate them inside.
• - Emergency Preparedness: Keep your electronic devices charged, and have a flashlight, radio, and extra batteries ready in case of a power outage. Familiarize yourself with local warming centers.

Energy Conservation Tips

To alleviate the strain on both the grid and your wallet, FirstEnergy offers energy-saving suggestions:

• - Dress Accordingly: Wearing layers can significantly enhance comfort without the need to raise the thermostat.
• - Use Ceiling Fans: Rotate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction at low speed to circulate warm air back into your living space without altering the thermostat setting.
• - Seal Leaks: Prevent cool air from entering your home by sealing gaps with caulk or weather stripping.
• - Adjustment to Appliances: Ensure your furnace filters are clean for optimal efficiency, and remember to turn off lights when they're not needed.
• - Garage Door Management: Keep the garage door closed to reduce cold air flowing into your home.

Financial Assistance for Electric Bills

Recognizing that increased energy consumption may lead to financial strain, FirstEnergy is committed to assisting customers facing difficulty paying their electric bills with various options. Programs include budget plans and energy assistance. Customers can learn more and apply for these initiatives by visiting FirstEnergy's Bill Management.

Reporting Outages and Staying Informed

In the event of a power outage caused by winter weather, customers can report issues at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or online at FirstEnergy Outage Reporting. Additionally, customers are encouraged to sign up for alert notifications through email and text to receive updates on restoration efforts and outage reports.

FirstEnergy remains dedicated to ensuring safety, reliability, and operational excellence, accommodating the needs of its six million customers across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. For more information and updates, follow FirstEnergy Corp. at FirstEnergy on Twitter.