Ohio Energy Reporter

Ohio Energy Reporter News


FirstEnergy sends crews to aid hurricane recovery efforts

FirstEnergy Corp. has mobilized around 200 line workers and support personnel to assist Duke Energy Carolinas and Georgia Power with power restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene. Crews began their journey on Wednesday morning, heading to North Carolina and Georgia, with all expected to arrive by early Saturday.


FirstEnergy uses electric truck as pace car for Akron Marathon

A new all-electric truck is assisting the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon in promoting clean energy. The Ford F-150 Lightning PRO, owned by FirstEnergy, will guide this year’s race winner to the finish line on Saturday, Sept. 28.


Students explore stem careers with help from nonprofit

New Jersey-based nonprofit Students 2 Science is working to prepare the future workforce by sparking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields among students in economically disadvantaged communities. The organization helps students from elementary through high school explore STEM careers and education by inspiring them through experiential learning opportunities at Students 2 Science’s technology centers and through relationships with local companies in the STEM field.


FirstEnergy Corp declares steady quarterly dividend amid ongoing challenges

The Board of Directors of FirstEnergy Corp. has declared an unchanged quarterly dividend of $0.425 per share of outstanding common stock. This dividend is payable on December 1, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 7, 2024.


PJM announces substantial cost increase impacting Ohio utility bills

On July 31, 2024, PJM, Ohio's regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating wholesale electricity movement in the state, announced a significant increase in the "cost of capacity" for most utilities starting June 1, 2025.


Mon Power begins work on third utility-scale solar site

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have initiated construction on their third utility-scale solar site in West Virginia. The Marlowe solar project is situated along Interstate 81 and the Potomac River on a 36-acre property in Berkeley County, previously an ash disposal site for the former R. Paul Smith Power Station. In 2022, FirstEnergy completed the closure of the landfill after removing over three million tons of ash.


FirstEnergy reaches settlement in rate review expanding customer aid programs

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has reached a $225 million settlement in its base rate review, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC). The settlement aims to expand bill assistance for low-income residential customers and facilitate investments in the electric grid to ensure safe and reliable service.


Electrical safety demo planned at Northeast Ohio Balloon Festival

Ohio Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. electric company, will present its live wire electrical safety trailer at the upcoming Balloon A-Fair in downtown Ravenna, Portage County, on Saturday, Sept. 21. The demonstration will utilize the trailer's 7,200-kilovolt power lines to educate attendees on the power of electricity, recognizing dangerous conditions, and staying safe around power lines and electrical equipment.


Switching to a smart thermostat could significantly reduce annual heating and cooling costs

The average home spends nearly $1,000 a year on heating and cooling, accounting for almost half of an annual energy bill. Investing in a smart thermostat can help lower that number. An EPA study found that smart thermostats certified by ENERGY STAR® can save customers an average of 8% on heating and cooling bills.


FirstEnergy reaches $100 million settlement with SEC over investigation

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to resolve its previously disclosed investigation.


Managing household appliance electricity: How much does a clothes dryer consume

When it comes to household appliances, the clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy consumers. For homeowners in Ohio, the Midwest, and beyond, understanding how much electricity your dryer uses is key to managing energy costs, improving efficiency, and making informed decisions about your energy usage. As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, it’s also important to explore how harnessing solar power can offset the energy demands of your dryer and contribute to a more sustainable home.


Northern Ohio Recovery Association expands services with new all-electric building

The Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA) is minimizing its carbon footprint while expanding services to vulnerable men and women within the community by breaking ground on an all-electric-powered addition to its Cleveland campus.


Jersey Central Power & Light relaunches residential EV charging incentives

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has relaunched its EV Driven residential electric vehicle charging incentives after maxing out customer participation in 2023. The incentives cover the cost of preparation work required before an EV charger can be installed.


Tesla introduces advanced Powerwall 3 for improved home energy storage

As solar energy continues to revolutionize home power solutions, energy storage has become a critical component of this transformation. For homeowners in Ohio and the Midwest, where energy independence and cost savings are priorities, the Tesla Powerwall 3 represents an advancement in home energy management. With the capability to store solar energy for use when sunlight is unavailable, the Powerwall 3 provides a method to optimize solar investments and manage home energy needs effectively.


New transformer energized in downtown Lebanon substation

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. doing business as Met-Ed in southeastern Pennsylvania, recently energized a new transformer at its substation near Third and Willow streets in Lebanon. This initiative aims to enhance electric service reliability for more than 7,000 customers in the city, North Lebanon Township, and West Lebanon Township.


Buckeye Power receives federal funding for renewable energy projects

Buckeye Power, Inc. has been selected as one of 16 electric cooperatives nationwide to receive part of $7.3 billion in funding aimed at developing renewable energy projects for Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives. The announcement will be made by President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack during a visit to Wisconsin, highlighting the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program under the Inflation Reduction Act.


Jersey Central Power & Light announces power line upgrades for Morris and Monmouth counties

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is upgrading two power lines in Morris and Monmouth counties, New Jersey. The upgrades, part of JCP&L's New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, are scheduled for completion in November. This initiative follows the company's rate review settlement approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in February.


Ten reasons why commercial solar installation is smart for businesses

As businesses face increasing energy costs, pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and a growing need to protect their bottom line, commercial solar installations are becoming an attractive solution. For companies in Ohio, the Midwest, and further afield, investing in solar energy offers a way to reduce operational costs, enhance corporate social responsibility, and gain a competitive edge. Here are 10 compelling reasons why commercial solar installation is a smart business decision.


Columbia Gas partners with agencies during Hunger Action Month

This Sunday marks the start of Hunger Action Month, and Columbia Gas of Ohio is set to collaborate with various agencies across the state to address food insecurity.


EPA grants boost Ohio's landfill-to-solar energy projects

Ohio clean energy projects under an Inflation Reduction Act grant announced last month demonstrate how solar installations on closed landfills can reduce greenhouse gases, improve resilience, and provide funding for other environmental goals.