FirstEnergy enhances 24/7 Power Center outage maps with new features
FirstEnergy has introduced several enhancements to its 24/7 Power Center outage maps, aiming to provide customers with timely and crucial information during power outages. The upgrades include color-coded icons and shading for easy location and area identification, a navigation bar for state map navigation, text message enrollment directly from the map, summary reports, weather radar overlay, and improved address search functionality.
Exploring expansion options for homeowners with solar installations
For homeowners who have embarked on the solar journey, the initial installation is not the end. As solar technology continues to evolve, so do opportunities for expansion and enhancement of existing systems. Whether driven by a desire to save on utility bills, reduce grid reliance, or contribute to environmental sustainability, going solar represents a significant step towards a resilient future.
Exploring the compelling reasons to switch to solar energy
If you're contemplating the switch to solar energy but remain undecided, consider these compelling reasons to embrace this clean, renewable source of power.
Public Utilities
AEP Ohio President & COO Names New Leadership Team
AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), has recently introduced a new leadership team under the guidance of President and Chief Operating Officer Marc Reitter. The appointments were made to drive the company's commitment to enhancing customer service and adapting to the evolving utilities landscape.Ryan Forbes has been appointed as the new vice president of Distribution Operations, taking over from Tom Kratt. Forbes will oversee the construction, engineering, and maintenance of AEP Ohio's electric distribution system, catering to 1.5 million...
AEP Ohio Shares Tips for Planting Trees This Spring In Celebration of Arbor Day
Gahanna, Ohio (April 23, 2024) — Spring is here, and with Arbor Day approaching, AEP Ohio is encouraging customers to plan before planting trees to prevent future power outages. Dale Hopkins, forestry manager at AEP Ohio, highlighted the importance of proper tree placement, stating, "Trees are a top cause of power outages," while emphasizing the efforts of the forestry team to maintain a safe distance between trees and power lines.To help customers make informed decisions, AEP Ohio's forestry team provided tips for planting trees in suitable locations. Hopkins advised...
AEP Ohio Plan to Make Electric Grid Improvements, Offer New Customer Savings Programs Approved
GAHANNA, Ohio (April 03, 2024) — AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for its Electric Security Plan (ESP). The plan outlines AEP Ohio's commitment to improving the electric grid, supporting economic development, and introducing new programs to help customers manage energy usage and save money.Marc Reitter, President, and COO of AEP Ohio, expressed the company's dedication to enhancing customer reliability while minimizing rate impacts: "Our Electric Security Plan lays...
Severe Storm Update: AEP Ohio Crews Working to Restore Power After Severe Weather
GAHANNA, Ohio, April 2, 2024 - AEP Ohio crews and field personnel are actively restoring power to about 13,000 customers after storms and heavy rain took down power lines, with Northeast Columbus, Chillicothe, and Lawrence County among the hardest hit. More than 1,700 AEP Ohio crew members from over 40 service centers across the state are preparing for severe weather that will continue this evening. "Thank you for your patience."400 additional lineworkers are on their way from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee to assist with...
AEP Ohio Urges Customers to Prepare for Severe Weather During Severe Weather Awareness Week
Gahanna, Ohio - With recent deadly tornadoes and storms in Ohio, AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is using Severe Weather Awareness Week as an opportunity to remind customers to review and practice emergency plans for extreme weather events.Cherie Long, AEP Ohio’s emergency preparedness manager, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "Our crews work every day to take steps that will help prevent power outages during severe weather."The company outlined its preparations, including ongoing maintenance, proactive monitoring of weather...
Business
FirstEnergy has introduced several enhancements to its 24/7 Power Center outage maps, aiming to provide customers with timely and crucial information during power outages. The upgrades include color-coded icons and shading for easy location and area identification, a navigation bar for state map navigation, text message enrollment directly from the map, summary reports, weather radar overlay, and improved address search functionality.
Exploring expansion options for homeowners with solar installations
For homeowners who have embarked on the solar journey, the initial installation is not the end. As solar technology continues to evolve, so do opportunities for expansion and enhancement of existing systems. Whether driven by a desire to save on utility bills, reduce grid reliance, or contribute to environmental sustainability, going solar represents a significant step towards a resilient future.
Exploring the compelling reasons to switch to solar energy
If you're contemplating the switch to solar energy but remain undecided, consider these compelling reasons to embrace this clean, renewable source of power.
Politics
Jon Williams, who serves as the managing director of customer experience and distribution technology for AEP Ohio, recently testified against the community solar bill at a hearing of the Ohio House of Representatives' Public Utilities Committee. The proposed legislation, known as HB 197, aims to establish a system of subsidies to bolster the growth of uneconomic small-scale solar facilities within the state.
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is urging the Biden Administration to escalate tariffs on solar imports from China. This appeal stems from his apprehension about the potential effects of Chinese solar imports on solar manufacturing jobs in Ohio.
In a recent hearing before the Ohio House Public Utilities committee, Maureen Willis, a member of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, expressed concerns about HB 197, otherwise known as the community solar bill. According to Willis, who also serves as the agency director for the counsel, the potential benefits of this bill are overshadowed by its negative impacts on utility consumers.