News from 2024
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...
Are Solar Panels a Wise Investment in 2024?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 7, 2024
Solar panels offer significant cost savings, with the federal government supporting renewable energy adoption through tax incentives. Homeowners installing solar panel systems can benefit from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), as explained by the bill. Additionally, many states offer additional incentives such as state tax credits, rebates, and grants, further reducing the out-of-pocket costs of solar installations. Net metering policies also allow homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid, providing additional savings over the long term.Investing in solar energy...
Duke Energy’s Florida Lineman’s Rodeo Qualifies 15 Local Lineworkers to Compete in International Event
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 5, 2024
At a recent competition, 15 Duke Energy Florida lineworkers secured spots to compete at the International Lineman's Rodeo, showcasing their talents among the world's top lineworkers. Barry Anderson, Duke Energy Florida senior vice president of customer delivery, emphasized the importance of these competitions in maintaining safety and service standards for customers."I got into line work just because of my love of the outdoors, helping people and turning the lights on," said Eric Polous, a Duke Energy Florida lineworker. Polous expressed excitement about the upcoming...
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day promotes STEM careers among young girls
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 5, 2024
On Feb. 19, Columbia Gas of Ohio team members welcomed the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland back to the Arena District office for the seventh Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. The event, organized by NiSource employee resource group DAWN (Dedicated to Advancing Women at NiSource), aims to show young girls that a career in engineering or STEM is attainable.
Dominion Energy Warns Customers Against Utility Scams
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 4, 2024
Dominion Energy South Carolina is warning customers to be vigilant and watch out for potential utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week. Sam Dozier, the general manager of customer service at Dominion Energy South Carolina, emphasized the importance of recognizing the warning signs of scams, stating, “Criminals are working around the clock to steal personal information and money from utility customers across the country. We want to make sure our customers can recognize the red flags so they don’t become a scammer’s next victim."According to Dominion Energy...
Dominion Energy South Carolina Requests Regulatory Review of Electric Rates to Maintain Safe, Reliable, Efficient Service as Customer Growth Continues
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 1, 2024
Dominion Energy South Carolina has recently requested a regulatory review of electric rates to ensure the maintenance of safe, reliable, and efficient service as customer growth continues. The requested increase to base rates, the first in nearly four years, would result in a net 3.58 percent increase for a residential customer's electric rates, with rates still remaining lower than the national average.President of Dominion Energy South Carolina, Keller Kissam, emphasized the importance of investing in the electric system to provide reliable and affordable energy,...
YellowLite Offers Exclusive Tesla Powerwall 3 Installation Services in Ohio
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 29, 2024
YellowLite, the exclusive local certified installer in Ohio, is now offering the latest Tesla Powerwall 3 for purchase and installation. The Powerwall 3 is designed to seamlessly integrate with solar systems, providing an efficient and sustainable energy solution for homes in Ohio.According to YellowLite, the Powerwall 3 is a versatile energy storage system that can meet the varying needs of homeowners. As stated by YellowLite, "You can also do future expansion in Powerwall 3 if your energy needs increase in the future." However, it is important to note that the Powerwall...
Energy Highlights – Black Changemakers Through the Centuries
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 28, 2024
On February 28, 2024, FirstEnergy showcased the contributions of remarkable black Americans in shaping the energy landscape throughout history. From inventors to entrepreneurs and advocates, individuals like Lewis Howard Latimer, Hazel O’Leary, and Jessica Matthews have left a lasting impact on the energy sector.FirstEnergy's President and CEO, Brian Tierney, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in driving positive change, stating, "When we're making important decisions for our company and customers, it's important that we listen to a broad range of voices,...
# Duke Energy Supports First Responders in South Carolina with $500,000 in Grant Opportunities
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 27, 2024
Duke Energy Foundation is offering $500,000 in grant opportunities for emergency preparedness in South Carolina, aimed at supporting first responders and organizations in enhancing their resiliency to major weather events. The grants will cover training, life-saving equipment, and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations.Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “These grants will help provide our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother...
Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia Honor Four Leaders as 'Strong Men & Women in Virginia History'
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 26, 2024
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation and the Library of Virginia have announced the 2024 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees and Student Creative Expressions Contest finalists. The annual program aims to recognize African American leaders who have made significant contributions to the Commonwealth.Bill Murray, Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications at Dominion Energy, expressed pride in honoring changemakers who have strengthened their communities, stating, "The Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honorees serve as role models for...
Work Underway to Upgrade Electric System in Western Pennsylvania
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 26, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is currently implementing upgrades to the electric system in Western Pennsylvania to enhance reliability and minimize service interruptions for customers in the region. Scott Wyman, President of FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania Operations, highlighted the significance of these upgrades, stating, “Substation upgrades play a major role in preventing power outages because they supply the electricity that flows across our local electric system and powers homes and businesses throughout West Penn’s service...
JCP&L President Jim Fakult Honored by Morris Habitat for Humanity and ROI-NJ
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 23, 2024
Jim Fakult, President of Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has received two prestigious awards for his outstanding leadership and commitment to community service.At the Hearts & Hammers Gala on Feb. 22 in Mountain Lakes, Fakult was presented with the Community Partner Award for 2024 by Morris Habitat for Humanity. The award recognizes Fakult's dedication to creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities, as well as his support for Morris Habitat for Humanity's mission of building homes and completing repairs. Fakult...
All Your Questions About Solar For New Home Construction
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 22, 2024
In Ohio, integrating solar into new homes offers a sustainable and financially savvy approach right from the start. This guide will navigate the essentials of incorporating solar into your new home construction, ensuring an efficient and cost-effective solar setup."Integrating solar into new home construction involves careful planning around several key elements," explained the guide. Factors to consider include home orientation, roof design, roof material, minimizing obstructions, electrical infrastructure, landscaping, local regulations and permits, and energy...