FirstEnergy's Restoration Efforts After Severe Storms
In the wake of a devastating storm that hit Pennsylvania and West Virginia on April 29, FirstEnergy Corp. has mobilized an impressive workforce to restore electricity to its customers. As of May 1, 2025, power has been reestablished for over 275,000 of the 380,000 affected customers, showcasing the company’s commitment to customer service and safety amidst challenging conditions.
Storm Impact and Immediate Response
The storm in question marked one of the most impactful events in western Pennsylvania since 2009, with wind speeds reported at 110-120 mph in some areas like Cambria County. Such conditions resulted in significant damage, including broken poles and downed power lines. In response, FirstEnergy deployed more than 4,750 internal and external resources, working around the clock to bring back service to the remaining customers, especially in the hardest-hit areas.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, stated, "The widespread impact of the storm has necessitated an extensive restoration effort. We appreciate our customers' patience as we work to restore power to everyone. Safety remains our top priority during this critical process."
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
While the teams are actively engaged in restoration, they remain vigilant about forecasted weather conditions that could hinder their progress. Strong winds of 40 to 50 mph and scattered thunderstorms were anticipated, with the potential to slow down restoration as the safety of workers using bucket trucks is paramount.
The company provided updates on service disruptions across various areas:
- - West Penn Power: Approximately 197,000 customers affected, with 78,500 still without power.
- - Penelec: Affected 107,400 customers; currently facing 13,600 outages.
- - Penn Power: 13,600 customers were disrupted, with 2,300 still waiting for reconnection.
- - Mon Power: Of the 36,300 customers who faced outages, 5,300 remain off the grid.
Estimated Restoration Times
FirstEnergy has established estimated restoration times (ETRs) for various counties:
- - Allegheny County: By 11 p.m., May 4.
- - Armstrong County: By 3 p.m., May 5.
- - Washington County: Expected to have most power restored by May 3, 11 p.m., with some areas awaiting until May 4.
- - Westmoreland County: Similar restoration timeline as Washington County, prioritizing hardest-hit areas.
Note: As assessments continue, the estimates may be updated. Customers seeking personalized updates can access their account online or use text alerts.
Assistance and Safety Measures
In light of the outages, FirstEnergy has made provisions for customers without power to receive free water and ice at participating locations. Customers can also report outages through various channels, including calling or texting to ensure quick response.
FirstEnergy also encourages safety during the power restoration process, specifically regarding generator usage. Proper installation and usage are vital, with recommendations for disconnection from home power lines to avoid hazardous back-feed situations.
Conclusion
FirstEnergy remains dedicated to prioritizing the safety of their workforce and customers alike while restoring service in the aftermath of this severe weather event. For ongoing updates and safety tips, the company encourages all customers to visit FirstEnergy's online Power Center.
As they navigate these challenging times, the ongoing resilience of communities and the tireless efforts of power crews underscore the spirit of collaboration and safety during power restoration initiatives.