News from March 2024
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...
Spring Into Savings with These Energy Efficiency Tips
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 27, 2024
Springtime is here, and as people embark on their annual spring cleaning routines, it's essential to consider energy-saving practices that can benefit both the environment and their wallets.According to an energy efficiency checklist provided by an unnamed source, one of the key tips for saving energy and money this season is to regularly change filters in various household appliances. The source emphasizes the importance of changing HVAC system filters every three months to ensure optimal efficiency, stating, "Dirty air filters limit air flow and force your system to...
A Letter from Ohio's 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Council Representative
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 26, 2024
Ohio's 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Council Representative recently shared their experiences and reflections on their time serving in the council. The representative expressed gratitude towards electric cooperatives for their commitment to community welfare, stating, "My exposure to electric cooperatives demonstrated how they are not merely just an electric company that sends out a cool magazine. They are organizations which are concerned about their members and work to make their communities better."Reflecting on their participation in the Youth Tour and the NRECA Youth...
FirstEnergy Credits Smart Grid Technology for Rapid Response After East Palestine Train Derailment
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 26, 2024
On February 3, 2023, FirstEnergy faced a challenging situation when emergency crews in East Palestine, Ohio, required the de-energization of power lines near a hazardous train derailment site. Thanks to the implementation of smart grid technology, the electric company was able to respond swiftly and effectively to the crisis, preventing further complications and ensuring customer safety.Reflecting on the incident, John Shuman, an engineer at FirstEnergy, highlighted the significance of the automated equipment in managing the emergency without risking the safety of line...
FirstEnergy Completes $3.5 Billion Sale of Interest in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 25, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced the closure of a significant deal on March 25, 2024, involving the sale of a 30% ownership stake in its subsidiary, FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC (FET), for $3.5 billion. The transaction saw Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners (Brookfield) as the purchaser, with $2.3 billion in cash proceeds received by FirstEnergy at closing.In a statement, FirstEnergy's President and CEO, Brian X. Tierney, expressed satisfaction with the transaction, highlighting the company's strategic direction: "With the successful completion of this...
How Much Energy Does Your Electric Oven Use, And Could You Power it With Solar?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 22, 2024
Electric ovens, a staple in many homes for cooking and baking, vary in wattage depending on size and features. According to the article, "home electric ovens range between 2,000 and 5,000 watts," with larger or more advanced models requiring more power. To determine your oven's wattage, the article suggests checking inside the oven door or in the owner's manual.The energy consumption of an electric oven is influenced by factors such as size, age, frequency of use, cooking duration, and temperature. Older or inefficient ovens may require more electricity to operate. To...
Installation of Nearly 60 EV Charging Stations Strengthens Maryland's Public Charging Network
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 21, 2024
Maryland's public charging network received a significant boost with the recent installation of 59 public charging stations, including 20 fast-charging stations, thanks to Potomac Edison’s EV Driven pilot program. The initiative, approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2019, aims to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible and support environmental goals.Lindsey Wilkinson, FirstEnergy’s Director of Emerging Technology Program, highlighted the convenience and reliability of the charging stations, stating, “Not only are our charging stations...
AEP Ohio Urges Customers to Prepare for Severe Weather During Severe Weather Awareness Week
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 20, 2024
Gahanna, Ohio - With recent deadly tornadoes and storms in Ohio, AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is using Severe Weather Awareness Week as an opportunity to remind customers to review and practice emergency plans for extreme weather events.Cherie Long, AEP Ohio’s emergency preparedness manager, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "Our crews work every day to take steps that will help prevent power outages during severe weather."The company outlined its preparations, including ongoing maintenance, proactive monitoring of weather...
FirstEnergy Recognized as Top 50 Diversity Employer by Minority EngineerTM Magazine
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 20, 2024
For the second consecutive year, FirstEnergy Corp. has been recognized as a Top 50 Diversity Employer by Minority EngineerTM magazine. The accolade is based on a survey of Minority Engineer readers, with Karen Sealy, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at FirstEnergy, expressing gratitude for the recognition. Sealy emphasized the company's commitment to diversity, stating, "A strong diversity, equity and inclusion program is about more than just talking the talk. At FirstEnergy, it is a core value that truly shapes the way we do business and engage with each other."...
FirstEnergy Corp. Increases Common Stock Dividend to $0.425 Per Share
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 20, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. announced an increase in its common stock dividend to $0.425 per share, representing an annual rate of $1.70 per share pending Board approval. The Board of Directors declared the quarterly dividend to be paid on June 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of May 7, 2024."We're pleased to announce this enhanced dividend payout to investors, which reflects our confidence in our strategies and our success in strengthening our financial position," said Brian X. Tierney, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to increase our dividend in line with...
Construction is Underway on Second Utility-Grade Solar Site in West Virginia
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 19, 2024
Construction is in progress for the second utility-grade solar site in West Virginia, as FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison have initiated the development of the Rivesville solar site in Marion County. The project aims to contribute to the state's energy needs while fostering economic growth.Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Operations, expressed pride in the transformation of a former coal ash disposal site into a clean renewable energy source. Myers highlighted the significance of renewable energy in driving economic...
Need Help Paying Your Energy Bills? JCP&L is Here to Help
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 19, 2024
JCP&L is reaching out to customers who may need assistance in paying their energy bills. According to a company statement, "there are programs that may be able to help you budget your monthly payments, pay seasonal energy bills, catch up on past-due payments or avoid service disconnection."Several assistance programs are available for qualifying customers, including the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program, the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program, NJ SHARES, Lifeline Utility Assistance, and the...
Solar Eclipse 2024: Anticipation Grows in Ohio as Rare Celestial Event Approaches
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 18, 2024
On April 8th, 2024, Ohioans are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event – a solar eclipse! The last total solar eclipse in Ohio occurred over 200 years ago in 1806, making this upcoming event on April 8th a truly special occurrence.During the solar eclipse, a 124-mile strip of land in Ohio will be completely covered in shadow for a few minutes, with other areas experiencing partial shadow as the moon partially obscures the sun. Speaking about the impact on solar arrays during the eclipse, it is noted, "Your solar array will not have any sunlight to absorb during the...
FirstEnergy's Impactful Recycling Initiatives Highlighted on Global Recycling Day
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 18, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. celebrated Global Recycling Day on March 18 by showcasing the significant impact of its recycling initiatives, which have led to the recycling of over 7,000 tons of materials in recent years. Dave Frederick, Director of Environmental at FirstEnergy, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our recycling achievements underscore our dedication to minimizing our environmental footprint and contributing positively to the communities we serve.”One of FirstEnergy's key initiatives is the Wood Pole Diversion Program, which diverts worn...
Power Restoration Efforts Underway Following Suspected Tornadoes
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 15, 2024
AEP Ohio is currently mobilizing resources to restore power to customers affected by severe weather, including suspected tornadoes, that caused scattered power outages across their service territory. The hardest hit areas include Delaware, Galena, and Sunbury. According to AEP Ohio, "More than 500 line, tree, contractor, assessor and support personnel from across the state are working to restore power to AEP Ohio customers after severe weather caused scattered power outages across our service territory."The impact of the suspected tornadoes in Delaware County is...
Columbia Gas of Ohio emphasizes storm preparedness during Severe Weather Awareness Week
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 14, 2024
Columbia Gas of Ohio is urging customers to prepare for potential severe weather as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio, which runs from Sunday, March 17 to Saturday, March 23.
Electric Grid Upgrades Underway in Lorain County
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 14, 2024
American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is currently undertaking a project in Lorain County, Ohio, to enhance the regional transmission system and minimize power outages for Ohio Edison customers. The initiative involves replacing over 900 insulator assemblies along two high-voltage power lines in the area.FirstEnergy's Vice President of Transmission, Carl Bridenbaugh, emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "By installing new, upgraded equipment along these transmission lines, we can help prevent potential power outages...
Daylight Saving Time Started on March 10th, Will it Become Permanent in Ohio?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 13, 2024
The state of Ohio recently made a significant move towards potentially adopting permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) with the passing of a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill aims to switch Ohio to observe Daylight Saving Time permanently, following in the footsteps of 19 other states in the United States that have already passed similar legislation.According to State Rep. Rodney Creech, one of the proponents of the bill, the transition to permanent DST could have positive effects on mental health by increasing the hours of sunlight in the evenings...
Incentivizing Young Readers to ‘Quack Open a Book and Read’
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 12, 2024
In a bid to promote literacy and inspire young readers, the "Quack Open a Book & Read" program was recently introduced to elementary students across northeast Ohio. The initiative, spearheaded by the Akron RubberDucks baseball team and sponsored by FirstEnergy, aims to encourage children to cultivate a love for reading by incentivizing them with exciting rewards.Katherine Dove, a second-grade teacher at Tallmadge Elementary School, emphasized the importance of involving families in the reading process. She stated, “Parents are the first and most influential teachers in a...