Ohio Energy Reporter News
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...