FirstEnergy Prepares for Winter: Ensuring Reliable Power Supply for Ohio Customers

As winter approaches, FirstEnergy Corp. is gearing up to support safe and reliable electric service for its customers across Ohio. With forecasts predicting increased electric consumption, the company has implemented a series of inspections and maintenance procedures aimed at enhancing electric system reliability during the cold months ahead.

The initiative encompasses electric companies such as Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison. According to Torrence Hinton, the President of FirstEnergy Ohio, "Completing inspections and equipment maintenance now can help enhance system reliability to keep power flowing to customers when severe winter weather strikes." This effort aligns with the substantial smart grid investments made across Ohio in recent months.

Preparations in Action

To ensure that the electric system can withstand winter demands, FirstEnergy has undertaken extensive measures. Field personnel have been actively inspecting substation equipment, winterizing control buildings, and ensuring critical components function reliably even in frigid conditions. In addition to ground inspections, the company has utilized helicopters to survey thousands of miles of high-voltage transmission lines, allowing them to identify early-stage equipment issues that may not be visible from the ground.

Electricians have also employed advanced thermovision cameras to inspect power lines and transformers. This technology captures infrared images that can highlight potential problems like loose connections or early signs of corrosion, enabling timely repairs that can prevent potential outages.

One of the substantial contributors to winter outages are trees. As such, FirstEnergy has proactively engaged in tree trimming around electrical equipment throughout the year to mitigate the risks associated with heavy snow and ice. Tree-related outages account for a significant portion of disruptions in electric utility services. Maintaining clearances is crucial to preventing outages caused by adverse weather conditions.

Safety and Readiness Drills

In addition to infrastructure maintenance, FirstEnergy employees have participated in readiness exercises and drills throughout the year. These preparations test the company's restoration process in the event of winter storm-related power outages. With severe weather becoming increasingly common, the utility industry has adopted such readiness drills to improve response times and reliability.

For customers keen on preparing for potential outages, FirstEnergy offers tips on their website. These include measures to manage consumption effectively during high-demand periods and information on restoration updates in case of storms causing outages.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Customers

As the winter storm season approaches, FirstEnergy encourages customers to adopt energy-saving strategies to maintain comfort while managing electricity costs. Here are several practical tips:

1. Seal Drafts: Use caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home.
2. Fireplace Management: Close the fireplace damper when not in use to help contain warmth.
3. Curtains: Close drapes at night to keep heat in, and only open those that receive sunlight during the day.
4. Check Filters: Ensure furnace fan filters are clean, as clogged filters can lead to higher energy use.
5. Insulation: Verify that your home is properly insulated, adding more insulation where necessary to improve energy efficiency.

Ohio Edison alone serves over a million customers across 34 counties in Ohio. The Illuminating Company caters to more than 750,000 customers across several counties in the northeastern part of the state, while Toledo Edison serves nearly 315,000 customers in the northwest area. For those facing challenges in paying their electricity bills, FirstEnergy provides various payment arrangements and assistance programs.

Through initiatives like these, FirstEnergy Corporation demonstrates its commitment to reliability, safety, and operational excellence, ready to navigate the challenges of the winter months ahead. For further details, including restoration updates or assistance programs, customers are encouraged to visit the FirstEnergy Power Center online.

Stay connected with FirstEnergy by following them on their social media platforms for the latest updates and tips throughout the season.