Ohio Energy Reporter

Ohio Energy Reporter News


Kokosing Solar highlights tax benefits for early sign-ups

As the new year approaches, Kokosing Solar is highlighting financial benefits for those considering solar energy.


FirstEnergy workers highlight dedication during hurricane recovery efforts

Happy is focused, focused is safe. This mantra guides Paul Dindo, a senior safety representative at FirstEnergy, as he coordinates storm response efforts to ensure the safety and focus of electric company workers. With 12 years in FirstEnergy's safety department, Dindo has managed numerous storms across the company's six-state service area and participated in at least eight mutual aid trips. Recently, he was among over 580 FirstEnergy personnel aiding power restoration in Florida after Hurricane Milton.


New transformer boosts electricity reliability for Bradford area

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. operating as Penelec in northwestern Pennsylvania, has energized a new transformer at a substation in Bradford. This move aims to enhance electric service reliability for over 1,000 customers in the area, including the University of Pittsburgh's Bradford campus.


FirstEnergy donates trees at Mountain State Forest Festival for third consecutive year

For the third year in a row, FirstEnergy continued its tradition of donating trees at the Mountain State Forest Festival held in Elkins, West Virginia. The event took place on October 4-5, where Green Team members from Mon Power, a FirstEnergy electric company, distributed 1,500 trees including pin oak, serviceberry, arrowwood, silky dogwood and gray dogwood to festival-goers. These employees volunteered their time to support environmental initiatives such as tree-planting events and park cleanups across West Virginia.


West Penn Power upgrades systems to prevent lengthy disruptions in Allegheny County

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is upgrading its power system in Allegheny County, Western Pennsylvania. The initiative aims to reduce service interruptions during severe weather by installing remote-controlled devices along power lines serving approximately 4,900 customers in Oakdale, North Fayette Township, and Findlay Township.


FirstEnergy completes upgrades in Monroe County to meet growing energy demands

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has completed significant upgrades to its distribution system in southeast Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The enhancements aim to prevent service disruptions and support ongoing residential and commercial growth in the area.


New operations center enhances response times for Mahoning County power services

American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has completed a new operations service center in North Jackson, Mahoning County. The facility aims to improve efficiency and streamline operations along the local high-voltage power system.


FirstEnergy volunteers aid adaptive games hosted by IM ABLE Foundation

Several years ago, MaryBeth Emerich, an IT supervisor at FirstEnergy, took her autistic twins to an inclusive fitness class offered by the IM ABLE Foundation in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. The welcoming environment and supportive staff left a lasting impression on her. "I went there thinking this is just not going to work, and I’m just setting my boys up for failure," Emerich said. "But in the long run, I was setting them up for a long-term purpose of being a part of a community that will always be there to support them."


FirstEnergy completes second utility-scale solar site in West Virginia

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have successfully completed their second utility-scale solar project in West Virginia. This new solar site is located in Rivesville, Marion County, and began generating clean energy with nearly 14,000 solar panels capable of producing up to 5.5 megawatts of power.


Energy-saving tips for renters: simple steps for reducing electricity bills

You don’t have to own your property to make improvements that will help maximize your energy use and lower your electric bill. If you rent, you can still make simple energy efficiency upgrades without breaking your lease. Here are some small changes that can add up.


Benefits of adopting solar energy in multi-family housing

Multi-family housing units, such as apartments and condos, often face high energy consumption due to shared amenities. Integrating solar energy offers several benefits for property owners.


Electric co-ops send aid for hurricane relief after overwhelming response

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric and North Central Electric responded to a call for help from a small community in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane left families in the rural area cut off from aid, as roads were washed away, creating an urgent need for food, water, and basic supplies.


FirstEnergy employees aid nonprofit providing formalwear for multicultural quinceañera ball

Members of FirstEnergy's Women in Leadership employee business resource group (EBRG) recently volunteered to support the 2024 Youngstown Rayen Early College Multicultural Quinceañera Ball, an event backed by DIVA Donations for the past eight years. The Northeast Ohio nonprofit provides affordable formalwear and accessories for special occasions, helping young women dress for significant events.


FirstEnergy advances projects enhancing electricity reliability for rural West Virginia

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., are advancing with five projects aimed at improving electric service reliability for nearly 8,700 customers in rural West Virginia. These efforts are expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and focus on reducing outage frequency and duration, especially during severe weather conditions.


New vehicle trims trees along power lines in Pennsylvania

Motorists in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains recently observed a compact excavator with a long reach trimming branches along power lines. This vehicle, known as Kwik-Trim, is currently the only one of its kind operating within Met-Ed’s 3,300-square-mile service area. Owned by Lewis Tree Service, a contractor for FirstEnergy, the machine is used to ensure reliable electric service by maintaining tree growth around hard-to-access power line corridors.


FirstEnergy Ohio's new president addresses customers' concerns and future plans

As the new President of FirstEnergy Ohio, Torrence L. Hinton expressed his enthusiasm for leading the electric companies Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison. Having joined the organization in June, Hinton brings 25 years of experience in the energy sector and has lived around Chicago before relocating to Ohio.


New president aims to enhance service reliability at FirstEnergy Pennsylvania

John Hawkins Jr. has been appointed as the new President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, overseeing the power delivery through Met-Ed, Penn Power, West Penn Power, and Penelec. Hawkins joined FirstEnergy in 2022 as Vice President for Operations and Distribution Engineering.


Mon Power receives $5M DOE grant for rural WV electric reliability project

Mon Power, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has received $5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. This grant aims to improve electric service reliability for customers in rural West Virginia. The funds are part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.


New JCP&L president focuses on local decision-making

Doug Mokoid, the newly appointed president of FirstEnergy New Jersey, has expressed his enthusiasm for leading the organization. In a recent communication to customers, Mokoid shared his commitment to enhancing local decision-making and accountability within JCP&L, part of FirstEnergy's network.


Ohio co-op leaders discuss EPA rules and postal service proposals in Washington

In mid-September, nine cooperative CEOs and members of the Ohio Electric Cooperatives (OEC) leadership visited Capitol Hill. Their visit was part of the annual "CEO Fly-In," where they met with nearly half of the Ohio Congressional delegation. The discussions centered on concerns about several U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and their potential negative impacts on Buckeye Power and cooperative members.