Latest News
Settlement Reached in FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities’ Grid Modernization Plan
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 15, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp.’s Ohio electric companies have reached a settlement on their Grid Modernization (Grid Mod) II plan, aiming to expand the deployment of smart meters to an additional 1.4 million customers in Ohio. The four-year, $421 million plan, if approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), will continue the system upgrades initiated under Grid Mod I, including the installation of approximately 706,000 smart meters across Ohio.Patricia Mullin, Acting President of FirstEnergy’s Ohio Operations, highlighted the significance of smart meters in empowering...
Columbia Gas promotes National Work Zone Awareness Week
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 15, 2024
Columbia Gas and other organizations throughout Ohio are promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 15-19. They encourage motorists to slow down, stay alert, and respect work zone directives to help prevent incidents and fatalities.
Ohio Children Safely View Total Solar Eclipse Thanks to Sight-Saving Shades from FirstEnergy
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 11, 2024
On Monday, April 8, millions of people across the United States witnessed a total eclipse of the sun, experiencing a rare celestial event where midafternoon turned into what seemed like midnight. In northeast Ohio, thousands of children were able to safely view the eclipse, thanks to the generosity of FirstEnergy.FirstEnergy, in collaboration with Prevent Blindness of Northeast Ohio, provided over 70,000 pairs of ISO-certified eclipse viewing glasses for students. Lorna Wisham, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement at FirstEnergy, expressed the...
Tree-Trimming Work Underway to Help Prevent or Minimize Power Outages for JCP&L Customers
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 10, 2024
Holmdel, N.J. – FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has embarked on a tree-trimming initiative spanning over 3,400 miles of power lines in its service territory across 13 counties. The endeavor aims to enhance electric service reliability by mitigating tree-related outages, particularly during severe weather conditions.JCP&L President, Jim Fakult, emphasized the significance of the tree-trimming program, stating, “Falling trees and branches are the number one cause of power outages for our customers in New Jersey. Our year-round...
OEC Applauds DOE Transformer Rule Change That Eases Supply Chain Gridlock, Enhances Electricity Reliability
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 10, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy revised its rule on electricity distribution transformers this week, which will ease supply chain challenges and ultimately support electricity reliability and grid resilience.U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio expressed his satisfaction with the changes, stating, “Building transformers made with Ohio steel is crucial to our electric grid and our energy independence.” Brown also commended the DOE for listening to stakeholders and making significant improvements to the initial standards, adding, “The final standards are a step...
The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Donates $12,000 to Local Community Causes, and Family of Fallen Lineworker
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 10, 2024
COLUMBUS, OH - The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives has recently allocated funds to support various charitable causes within local communities and assist the family of a fallen lineworker.In a statement, the foundation announced that nearly $8,000 in grants were approved for 8 charitable organizations. The foundation expressed its dedication to giving back to the communities served by Ohio’s 25 electric cooperatives.Among the beneficiaries of the grants are organizations such as the Worthington Resource Pantry, Stiff Person Syndrome Research...
Show Your Support for Fallen Lineworkers with a New, Custom Ohio License Plate
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 10, 2024
COLUMBUS, OH - April is a special time to honor and appreciate the hard work of electric lineworkers, as highlighted by the recognition of Lineworker Appreciation Day. According to electric cooperatives, April 8 is designated as lineworker appreciation day, with April 18 being marked as the national lineworker appreciation day.Encouraging individuals to show their support year-round, a newly designed Ohio license plate is now available for purchase at the cost of $20 during vehicle registration or renewal in Ohio. The design of this unique plate was crafted by Ohio’s...
Columbia Gas urges caution during National Safe Digging Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 8, 2024
In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, Columbia Gas has released findings from a recent national survey involving 1,000 U.S. homeowners. The survey revealed that over half (51 percent) plan to undertake an outdoor do-it-yourself digging project within the next year, yet 56 percent do not intend to notify 811 beforehand, thereby posing risks to themselves and their communities.
What Does The Future of Electric Cars and Power Grid Look Like?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 5, 2024
News Article:Honda officials are envisioning a future of zero-carbon footprint by combining transportation, housing, and energy in the creation of Honda Smart Homes. The company is actively working on strategies to make this vision a reality.A study by economists at Brattle indicates that a significant investment ranging between $75 to $125 billion will be crucial in the electric power sector to support the projected 20 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 as major automobile companies transition to electric models.In an experiment conducted by Honda Motor Company...
PacifiCorp Extends Life of Coal-Fired Generation and Reduces Proposed Future Renewables
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 5, 2024
PacifiCorp, a multi-state utility holding company owned by Warren Buffett, has made significant changes to its energy strategy by extending the life of two coal-fired power plants in the Pacific Northwest. The company's updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) marks a departure from its previously ambitious 20-year energy transition plan.Key revisions in the new plan include the extension of the operation of fossil-fueled plants for more than a decade, a decrease in the originally proposed expansion of solar and energy storage, and an increase in wind power. Additionally,...
FirstEnergy to Webcast First Quarter Earnings Teleconference
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 3, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has announced that it will be releasing its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 after markets close on Thursday, April 25. The results will be discussed by FirstEnergy management during a conference call with financial analysts at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 26. A question-and-answer session will follow.According to FirstEnergy Corp., "Investors, customers and other interested parties are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call and view presentation slides via FirstEnergy's Investor Information website." The webcast and...
AEP Ohio Plan to Make Electric Grid Improvements, Offer New Customer Savings Programs Approved
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 3, 2024
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...
Infographic: 24 Hours and 24 Ways to Save Energy
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
In an effort to promote energy conservation, a recent infographic titled "24 Hours and 24 Ways to Save Energy" provides individuals with practical tips to reduce energy consumption throughout the day. The infographic, released on Apr 2, 2024, challenges readers to maximize their daily hours by implementing these energy-saving strategies.The infographic begins with the thought-provoking question, "You've got 24 hours in a day. Why not make the most of them with these 24 energy-saving tips?" This statement sets the tone for the valuable information and suggestions that...
Additional Payment Options Coming This Spring
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
FirstEnergy has announced a significant change in its electronic payment options, aiming to enhance customer experience and convenience. The company is introducing a new third-party electronic payment processor, ACI Speedpay®, to offer more flexibility to customers when it comes to paying their bills.Michelle Henry, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at FirstEnergy, emphasized the importance of time for customers, stating, “We know time is a precious commodity for all of us, and that’s why we want to make it easy for you to pay your bill quickly and securely.”...
Severe Storm Update: AEP Ohio Crews Working to Restore Power After Severe Weather
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
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...
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Requests Rate Review to Enhance Service Reliability for Customers
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has announced its intention to file a rate review with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to support ongoing service reliability enhancements for its customers. The proposed rate adjustment aims to improve grid infrastructure and provide additional services to benefit over two million customers.According to Scott Wyman, President of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania Operations, the investments in upgrading equipment and vegetation management will help ensure dependable electricity delivery to homes and...
Dig This! April is National Safe Digging Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
April brings warmer weather and, for many of us, a chance to tackle spring projects. For projects that involve digging underground, it’s important to start with one simple but crucial step: call 811 before you dig.Calling 811 before breaking ground – whether the project is big or small – will help ensure you know where underground utility lines are located. This is a free service that can help keep you safe and prevent damage to utility lines and your property."When you dial 811 and provide essential details about your digging plans, you’ll be connected with trained...
Tree-Trimming Work Underway to Help Prevent or Minimize Power Outages in West Virginia
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 1, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison are actively engaged in tree trimming and vegetation management work across West Virginia to improve electric service reliability and prevent power outages. Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Operations, emphasized the importance of tree trimming in reducing tree-related service interruptions, stating, "Since trees are the leading cause of power outages, tree trimming is crucial to our reliability efforts and one of the most effective ways we can reduce the impact of tree-related service...
What Is a Solar Charge Controller and are they still used in solar systems?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 28, 2024
Solar charge controllers play a crucial role in managing the flow of electricity in solar energy systems, protecting batteries from damage. As explained by an industry expert, "The solar charge controller regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the battery bank, protecting those batteries from being overcharged or overly depleted." These controllers are essential for preventing both overcharging and overdischarging of batteries, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the solar system.There are two main types of solar charge controllers: Pulse Width...
Northeast Ohio Electric Grid Stronger and More Resilient Following Power Line Enhancements
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 28, 2024
American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., recently completed a project to upgrade 16 miles of two high-voltage power lines in Ohio's Lake and Geauga counties. The enhancements are aimed at strengthening the regional transmission system and improving service reliability for nearly 5,000 customers of The Illuminating Company.FirstEnergy's Vice President of Transmission, Carl Bridenbaugh, highlighted the importance of the upgrade, stating, "This line upgrade will reinforce our transmission system and help provide us with the flexibility...