Ohio Energy Reporter News
Safety Meetings and Training Underway for Lineworkers in Current Quarter
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 24, 2024
Safety meetings and training sessions are currently in progress for lineworkers as part of the 1st quarter initiatives. The focus is on various aspects of safety and industry essentials to ensure the well-being of the workers.Jason Woods is leading a session on excavations with a specific focus on "Hazardous Pipelines ROW: What is an Excavation?" This training aims to educate workers on the potential hazards associated with pipelines and the importance of safe excavation practices.Zack Azallion is conducting a meeting titled "OSHA General Industry Essentials for the...
Flashlight Kits Shine the Light on Careers in Science and Technology
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 24, 2024
Employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, under the umbrella of West Penn Power, recently came together to assemble 450 STEM kits for fifth through seventh grade students in Westmoreland County school districts. The kits consist of build-it-yourself flashlight kits, designed to introduce children to the concept of electricity and its role in brightening our lives.The initiative, supported by FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation, aims to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Foundation...
Blake West and Dwight Miller Train Locals in Sierra Leone
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 24, 2024
In a recent trip to Sierra Leone, Blake West and Dwight Miller embarked on a mission that left a lasting impact on the local community. The duo recorded a web recording together and assisted in reviewing and completing essential manuals for Energicity, the local mini-grid provider."It was a life-changing trip for Blake and Dwight as they trained the locals on so many different things and were hands-on with cable splicing and climbing steel poles," shared a source close to the project. The hands-on approach taken by West and Miller allowed them to demonstrate...
Mon Power and Potomac Edison Reach Settlement in Rate Review
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 23, 2024
Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have reached a settlement agreement with the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding their base rate review proceeding. The settlement agreement, filed on January 23, aims to support the companies' commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to their customers.The parties involved in the rate review settlement include staff of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, the Consumer Advocate Division of the Commission, the West Virginia Energy Users Group, Longview Power,...
Biodiversity Efforts Help Protect New Jersey Wildlife
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 23, 2024
New Jersey's wildlife is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, thanks to dedicated efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity in the state. One species that has made a significant recovery is the osprey, which was listed as an endangered species in 1974 but has now reached historical numbers of 733 nesting pairs.However, with increased development and deforestation, the ospreys now face a new threat – power lines. To ensure the safety of these birds, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has taken proactive measures. JCP&L crews monitor nests on and near electrical...
From Overdue to Overjoyed: A Solar Transformation Story
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 20, 2024
Gabriel Smith, a resident of Beachwood, Ohio, has recently completed a solar energy project with the guidance of Cody Pipper, an expert from YellowLite. This solar panel system has not only saved Gabriel money on his electricity bills but has also made a positive impact on the environment.The comprehensive solar solution chosen by Gabriel had an initial cost of $53,414.00. However, by taking advantage of potential tax credits, including a Federal Tax Credit of -$13,887.64, the net cost of the system was significantly reduced to $39,526.36. The selected system type is the...
Are Solar Panels Worth it in 2024?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 19, 2024
As the conversation around solar energy continues to evolve, many are questioning whether investing in solar panels is worth it in 2024. In this article, we will explore the environmental and financial benefits of transitioning to solar and why it might be the smartest decision you make this year.One of the most compelling reasons to go solar is its positive impact on the environment. By choosing solar energy, consumers can reduce their reliance on non-renewable and polluting sources of electricity. As stated by an unnamed source, "Your choice to go solar is not only...
How Long Does Solar Panels Last? Lifespan of Solar Panels
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 19, 2024
According to industry statistics, the average lifespan of a solar panel is 25 to 30 years. Reputed manufacturers typically offer a 25-year warranty, but even after that period, solar panels continue to function, albeit with reduced efficiency and power output.The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a meta-analysis on the degradation rates of solar panels and found that on average, solar panels have a degradation rate of 0.8%. This means that after 25 years, they can still perform at 87.5% of their original capacity. Some modern solar panels even have...
Duke Energy Florida Offers Free Energy Makeovers for Income-Eligible Residents in Seminole County
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 19, 2024
In an effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy bills for income-eligible residents, Duke Energy Florida is launching its Neighborhood Energy Saver program in Altamonte Springs. This program provides free energy makeovers for qualifying homeowners and renters in the community.Through the Neighborhood Energy Saver program, Duke Energy Florida will assess each home to determine if it qualifies for free attic insulation, duct sealing, and other energy-saving improvements. The program is available to residential customers identified by Duke Energy based on federal...
Proposed Electric School Bus Pilot Program Aimed to Help Maryland Achieve Climate Goals and Help Public Schools Meet Transportation Needs
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 18, 2024
Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has submitted a proposal to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) for a five-year Electric School Bus Pilot Program. The program aims to assist the state in achieving its climate goals and help public schools meet their transportation needs. The pilot program aligns with Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which mandates that all new school buses contracted or purchased by public school systems in the state be zero emissions.Don McGettigan, the acting President of FirstEnergy's Maryland Operations,...
Duke Energy Florida Donates $50,000 to St. Petersburg College for Scholarships
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 18, 2024
Duke Energy Florida has announced a generous donation of $50,000 to St. Petersburg College's Promise Scholarship program. This donation will provide graduating high school students from eight Pinellas County high schools with the opportunity to attend St. Petersburg College (SPC) at no cost to them.Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, expressed the company's commitment to uplifting the communities they serve, stating, "We are proud to support this scholarship opportunity that we believe will have a lasting impact on tomorrow's workforce as well as...
Columbia Gas Encourages You to Protect Your Family: Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Nov 2, 2023
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Nationwide, November is recognized as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month. Columbia Gas wishes to take this opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide in the community to help keep everyone safe."Despite the fact that natural gas does not contain CO, it can be generated when there is insufficient oxygen for fuels to burn correctly," said a spokesperson from Columbia Gas.The gas company emphasizes the importance of having fully functional CO detectors in your home on every level and in every room where someone sleeps. "Remember to test...
Special Reconnect Order Begins October 16 for Winter Heating Season
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 12, 2023
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has announced the commencement of the 2023-24 Special Reconnect Order (SRO) for Columbia Gas of Ohio customers. Starting from October 16, 2023, until April 15, 2024, customers will have the opportunity to reconnect their service or avoid disconnection during the winter heating season for a fee of $175, along with a $36 reconnection fee if the service has already been disconnected.According to the PUCO, customers who wish to take advantage of the SRO program must establish a payment plan for any outstanding balance they may...
Enroll now in the 2023-2024 Columbia Gas Budget Plan
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Aug 1, 2023
Columbia Gas of Ohio is encouraging its customers to sign up for the 2023-2024 Budget Plan to get a head start on their winter heating bills. The Budget Plan is designed to help customers manage the impact of winter heating costs by spreading the total cost of heating more evenly throughout the year.According to a company spokesperson, "The Budget Plan is the best option for customers to manage the impact of winter heating bills by spreading the total cost of heating more evenly throughout the year."One of the key benefits of the Budget Plan is its year-round rolling...