News from 2024
FirstEnergy to Webcast First Quarter Earnings Teleconference
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 3, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has announced that it will be releasing its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 after markets close on Thursday, April 25. The results will be discussed by FirstEnergy management during a conference call with financial analysts at 10 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 26. A question-and-answer session will follow.According to FirstEnergy Corp., "Investors, customers and other interested parties are invited to listen to a live webcast of the call and view presentation slides via FirstEnergy's Investor Information website." The webcast and...
AEP Ohio Plan to Make Electric Grid Improvements, Offer New Customer Savings Programs Approved
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 3, 2024
GAHANNA, Ohio (April 03, 2024) — AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for its Electric Security Plan (ESP). The plan outlines AEP Ohio's commitment to improving the electric grid, supporting economic development, and introducing new programs to help customers manage energy usage and save money.Marc Reitter, President, and COO of AEP Ohio, expressed the company's dedication to enhancing customer reliability while minimizing rate impacts: "Our Electric Security Plan lays...
Infographic: 24 Hours and 24 Ways to Save Energy
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
In an effort to promote energy conservation, a recent infographic titled "24 Hours and 24 Ways to Save Energy" provides individuals with practical tips to reduce energy consumption throughout the day. The infographic, released on Apr 2, 2024, challenges readers to maximize their daily hours by implementing these energy-saving strategies.The infographic begins with the thought-provoking question, "You've got 24 hours in a day. Why not make the most of them with these 24 energy-saving tips?" This statement sets the tone for the valuable information and suggestions that...
Additional Payment Options Coming This Spring
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
FirstEnergy has announced a significant change in its electronic payment options, aiming to enhance customer experience and convenience. The company is introducing a new third-party electronic payment processor, ACI Speedpay®, to offer more flexibility to customers when it comes to paying their bills.Michelle Henry, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at FirstEnergy, emphasized the importance of time for customers, stating, “We know time is a precious commodity for all of us, and that’s why we want to make it easy for you to pay your bill quickly and securely.”...
Severe Storm Update: AEP Ohio Crews Working to Restore Power After Severe Weather
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
GAHANNA, Ohio, April 2, 2024 - AEP Ohio crews and field personnel are actively restoring power to about 13,000 customers after storms and heavy rain took down power lines, with Northeast Columbus, Chillicothe, and Lawrence County among the hardest hit. More than 1,700 AEP Ohio crew members from over 40 service centers across the state are preparing for severe weather that will continue this evening. "Thank you for your patience."400 additional lineworkers are on their way from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee to assist with...
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Requests Rate Review to Enhance Service Reliability for Customers
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has announced its intention to file a rate review with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to support ongoing service reliability enhancements for its customers. The proposed rate adjustment aims to improve grid infrastructure and provide additional services to benefit over two million customers.According to Scott Wyman, President of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania Operations, the investments in upgrading equipment and vegetation management will help ensure dependable electricity delivery to homes and...
Dig This! April is National Safe Digging Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
April brings warmer weather and, for many of us, a chance to tackle spring projects. For projects that involve digging underground, it’s important to start with one simple but crucial step: call 811 before you dig.Calling 811 before breaking ground – whether the project is big or small – will help ensure you know where underground utility lines are located. This is a free service that can help keep you safe and prevent damage to utility lines and your property."When you dial 811 and provide essential details about your digging plans, you’ll be connected with trained...
Tree-Trimming Work Underway to Help Prevent or Minimize Power Outages in West Virginia
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 1, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison are actively engaged in tree trimming and vegetation management work across West Virginia to improve electric service reliability and prevent power outages. Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Operations, emphasized the importance of tree trimming in reducing tree-related service interruptions, stating, "Since trees are the leading cause of power outages, tree trimming is crucial to our reliability efforts and one of the most effective ways we can reduce the impact of tree-related service...
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...