#United States #Akron #FirstEnergy #Power Restoration #severe weather

FirstEnergy Gears Up for Severe Weather Once Again

As another wave of severe weather approaches, FirstEnergy Corp. is on high alert to tackle potential power outages across its service areas. The latest weather system is expected to affect regions including Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland, which have already suffered due to powerful winds in prior storms. During these challenging times, FirstEnergy's commitment to restoring power and ensuring customer safety remains unwavering.

Current Situation

Since the onset of the latest windstorm, FirstEnergy crews have made impressive strides, restoring power to more than 96% of the initial 800,000 affected customers. This involved extensive repair work, including the replacement of nearly 600 broken poles, over 225,000 feet of damaged wires, and approximately 1,300 utility pole crossarms and braces. The sheer scale of recovery attests to FirstEnergy's operational effectiveness even in adverse conditions.

Preparing for More Severe Weather

With forecasts predicting additional storms today that could bring wind gusts of 50 to 65 miles per hour, along with 1 to 2 inches of rain, FirstEnergy is proactively managing its resources to handle upcoming challenges. Concerns also arise regarding the potential for isolated tornadoes across regions like Maryland and New Jersey, with some areas likely to experience snowfall.

More than 3,400 line workers and support personnel are actively engaged, supplementing FirstEnergy's nearly 7,000 dedicated employees. A structured approach emphasizes restoring power first to customers who have had the longest outages, ensuring the most efficient recovery.

Restoration Process Overview

FirstEnergy's restoration protocol prioritizes safety while facilitating quick power restoration. Here’s how the process unfolds:
1. Hazard Clearance: Teams remove downed power lines, trees, and clear blocked access roads.
2. High-Voltage Repairs: Repairing high-voltage lines that transmit electricity is critical before addressing local lines.
3. Critical Public Services: Restoring power to essential public facilities is prioritized.
4. Widespread Outages: Larger outages affecting many customers are tackled next.
5. Localized Issues: Finally, focus shifts to localized problems to reconnect individual customers.

Sustained high winds can hinder aerial work and slow down restoration efforts until conditions are safe. Access limitations created by fallen trees and blocked roads also contribute to delays in reaching outage sites.

Customer Safety and Preparedness

To ensure customer safety during these severe weather events, FirstEnergy emphasizes readiness and awareness. Customers are advised to:

• - Maintain Distance: Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and report them by calling 911.
• - Secure Outdoor Items: Ensure that loose items like trash cans and patio furniture are secured.
• - Stay Charged: Keep phones and essential devices fully charged.
• - Prepare Essentials: Have flashlights, batteries, and a working radio at hand, along with drinking water if you rely on a well pump.
• - Stock Non-Cook Foods: It’s wise to have readily available food options that don’t require cooking.
• - Stay Alert: Steering clear of trees and utility poles during high winds is crucial for safety.

Outage Reporting and Updates

In case of losing power, FirstEnergy encourages quick reporting through:

• - Phone: Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• - Text: Send 'OUT' to LIGHTS (544487)
• - Online: Visit firstenergycorp.com/outages

Stay informed with outage updates by texting 'REG' to 544487 to enroll in alerts, and then send 'STAT' for the latest information about your home.

Company Commitment

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to providing safe, reliable energy to its customers across a vast network spanning six states. Its electric distribution system is among the nation’s largest investor-owned utilities, serving over six million customers and operating about 24,000 miles of transmission lines. The company strives for operational excellence, integrity, and safety, particularly during challenging times like this. For updates, follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com or on social media @FirstEnergyCorp.