FirstEnergy Achieves Major Power Restoration After Windstorm Disruptions

FirstEnergy Power Restoration Progress

FirstEnergy Corp., a prominent utility company, has successfully made headway in restoring power in the wake of a severe windstorm that impacted many of its customers on March 17, 2026. As of this afternoon, the company reported that over 97% of the nearly 1.1 million customers affected by the storm have had their power restored. However, about 35,400 customers remain without service as the restoration efforts continue.

The storm brought strong winds and thunderstorms that not only caused widespread outages but also introduced new challenges for restoration crews, particularly in eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey. To tackle the impact of these weather events, FirstEnergy has mobilized a dedicated team of more than 10,000 employees, contractors, and other resources who are working diligently around the clock.

Restoration Details and Estimated Times

FirstEnergy has set estimated restoration times (ETRs) for many outages, providing customers with more specific forecasts on when they can expect to have their service restored. These estimates can be viewed on the FirstEnergy website or by logging into individual accounts. Notably, global ETRs—dates when nearly all customers in an affected area are expected to have their power back—are scheduled for announcement later today. Individuals are urged to stay updated through the company's outage communication tools.

Specific Company Updates:

1. JCPL (Jersey Central Power & Light): Over 47,300 customers in northern and central New Jersey have now regained power. However, there are still around 4,900 customers awaiting service restoration. Full ETRs will be established this afternoon.

2. Met-Ed: This service area has restored power to more than 39,400 customers, with approximately 13,400 still offline. Restoration updates will follow soon.

3. Penelec: Power has been returned to over 99% of the 165,500 customers impacted by weather disturbances, leaving only 950 customers without service, who are projected to be restored by 5 p.m. today.

4. Penn Power: About 15,900 customers in western Pennsylvania have had their power restored; 3,400 remain without service and are expected to be back online later today.

5. West Penn Power: Power is back for more than 98% of the 165,700 customers affected, with updates on the remaining 2,900 customers expected by 11 p.m. today.

6. The Illuminating Company: Nearly 99% of the 212,400 affected customers have had their power restored. The restoration of 2,400 remaining outages is anticipated, with ETRs provided soon.

7. Ohio Edison: Nearly all of the 254,000 customers affected have had their power restored. Just 2,100 customers remain offline, and ETRs are being communicated for those outages.

8. Toledo Edison: This region is close to full restoration, with nearly 100% of the 40,900 customers restored.

9. Mon Power: About 45,700 customers in West Virginia have regained power, while the remaining 6,500 outages result from the newly installed weather system.

10. Potomac Edison: Power has been restored to 97% of the 22,100 customers impacted, with efforts focused on the last 580 outages expected to be resolved today.

Customers still experiencing outages are encouraged to report their status by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS or visiting the FirstEnergy website. Ongoing communication through these channels ensures customers remain informed about their power restoration and service updates.

Conclusion

FirstEnergy's dedication to restoring power swiftly and efficiently amidst challenging weather conditions is commendable. The company's mobilization of resources and commitment to serving its customers are pivotal during such disruptions. As restoration efforts continue, FirstEnergy remains focused on bringing reliable energy back to those still affected by this recent storm.