News from May 2024
FirstEnergy seeks PUCO review for rate changes aimed at enhancing service reliability
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 31, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp.'s Ohio electric companies—Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison—have filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to review their base electric rates. The rate request aims to recover investments made to enhance the distribution system, improve customer experience, and establish a new customer assistance program for income-eligible residential customers. The proposed annual revenue change is approximately $93.6 million compared to current rates.
Buckeye Power names Craig Grooms as new CEO
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 30, 2024
Patrick O’Loughlin, President and CEO of Buckeye Power and Ohio’s Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC), has announced his plan to retire on January 3, 2025, after a decade at the helm. The boards of directors have named Craig Grooms, the current Chief Operations Officer, as his successor.
First phase of Fox Squirrel Solar project completed by EDF Renewables, Enbridge
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 28, 2024
Phase 1 of the Fox Squirrel Solar project near Mt. Sterling began commercial operations last week. EDF Renewables North America and Enbridge Inc., the companies supporting the project, announced the initiation of electric generation at an event last week.
U.S. senators express bipartisan concern over USEPA's new power plant rules
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 28, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC—A group of bipartisan U.S. senators, including Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), expressed concerns over the USEPA's new power plant rules during a recent committee hearing.
Ohio leaders oppose EPA's fossil fuel plant regulations
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 28, 2024
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted sent a letter to USEPA Administrator Michael Regan last week, expressing their opposition to the federal rule on fossil-fueled power plants.
YellowLite hosts webinar on solar panel options and SREC qualifications
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 23, 2024
YellowLite hosted a webinar on May 22 to discuss the differences between buying, financing, or leasing solar installations. The session also covered Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) in detail and explained how to check qualification status.
Should you lease or buy your residential solar system
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 23, 2024
On May 23, 2024, a discussion emerged on whether homeowners should lease or buy their residential solar systems. This topic is pertinent as many homes are not permanent residences, raising questions about the best financial and practical approach to adopting solar energy.
FirstEnergy CEO highlights progress at annual shareholder meeting
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 22, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) President and Chief Executive Officer Brian X. Tierney addressed shareholders at the company's 2024 Annual Meeting, emphasizing the company’s progress and resilience. "We have a strong foundation, clear focus and robust strategy to deliver long-term value to our shareholders, customers, communities and employees," Tierney stated.
Columbia Gas honors employees with Volunteer of the Year awards
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 21, 2024
Columbia Gas of Ohio has recognized its 2023 Volunteers of the Year, highlighting employees who contribute to their communities beyond their professional duties. The award recipients include Ironton Field Operations Leader Glen Dale Chapman, Columbus Executive Administrative Assistant Jayne Metcalf, and the team involved in LifeCare Alliance’s Meals-on-Wheels initiative.
FirstEnergy appoints new executives to lead state electric companies
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 21, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced the appointment of four new executives to lead its Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey state electric company businesses and its stand-alone transmission companies. This move is part of the company's strategy to enhance execution and customer investments at the local level.
FirstEnergy completes annual storm restoration drill for severe weather events
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) operating in eastern Pennsylvania as Met-Ed, has recently concluded its annual emergency preparation drill. The exercise aimed to test the company's storm restoration process for potential severe weather-related outages in its extensive and heavily wooded service area.
Ohio electric cooperatives advocate for grid reliability and tax reform
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
Leaders from 17 Ohio electric cooperatives recently dedicated a day to meet with influential state legislators and officials. The focus of the discussions was on grid reliability, kilowatt-hour tax reform, and opportunities for New ERA funding aimed at promoting reliability within the energy sector.
Ohio Senate resolution challenges new EPA greenhouse gas rules
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
Pat O’Loughlin, President and CEO of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), testified in support of Senate Resolution 296 (SR 296) on May 20, 2024. The resolution urges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw recently finalized regulations on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). SR 296 passed the Senate on May 8 with bipartisan support, and a similar measure is being pursued by the Ohio House to counteract the new rule.
FirstEnergy completes electric grid enhancements in Mahoning Valley
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed the installation of approximately 250 new insulators along a 22-mile section of a transmission line that runs through Mahoning and Columbiana counties in northeast Ohio. This enhancement is expected to bolster the reliability and resilience of the electric grid for roughly 1,500 Ohio Edison customers in the Mahoning Valley.
FirstEnergy emphasizes electrical safety for summer season
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
AKRON, Ohio – As National Electrical Safety Month coincides with the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is emphasizing the importance of electrical safety. The company encourages the public to be mindful of potential electrical hazards during outdoor activities to ensure a safe and uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the summer season.
Ohio co-op leaders advocate for energy policy changes at NRECA conference
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
American families and businesses expect consistent and affordable electricity. The nation's energy policies should align with this fundamental expectation, transcending partisan divides. As the demand for electricity escalates and supply dwindles, it is imperative to have a substantive policy discussion about our future direction and the realistic means to achieve it.
FirstEnergy appoints Deandra Williams-Lewis as Chief Privacy Officer
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 17, 2024
AKRON, Ohio, May 17, 2024 -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has announced the appointment of Deandra Williams-Lewis to the role of Chief Privacy Officer, effective May 19. This new role is in addition to her current position as Director, Ethics & Compliance.
Ohio at low risk for summer electricity reliability issues: NERC report
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 16, 2024
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has recently released its summer assessment of electric reliability, indicating that Ohio is at low risk for demand exceeding supply. This is a shift from NERC's winter assessment of Ohio, which falls within the 13-state PJM grid. The Midwest was at risk of power loss this past winter, but due to mild weather conditions, outages were successfully avoided.
OEC's CEO testifies against USEPA's new power plant rule in Ohio Senate
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 15, 2024
On May 7, 2024, Pat O’Loughlin, President and CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives (OEC), testified before the Ohio Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. He voiced his support for S.R. No. 296, a resolution urging the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to withdraw its recently finalized power plant rules regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Toledo Edison conducts tree-trimming work to enhance service reliability
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 15, 2024
Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is currently carrying out tree trimming and other vegetation management operations across northwest Ohio. This is part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance electric service reliability. The $7 million tree-trimming program for this year aims to maintain power supply to customers by preventing tree-related outages, particularly during the spring and summer storm season.