Ohio Energy Reporter

News from 2024


Duke Energy Shares Tips to Save Energy and Money in Fluctuating Winter Temperatures in Florida

As winter temperatures continue to fluctuate in Florida, Duke Energy is providing customers with resources, tips, and tools to help them manage energy usage and reduce utility bills. Duke Energy meteorologists reported peak highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s and peak lows in the 30s and mid-40s for December and January. To save energy and money, Duke Energy suggests the following tips:"Whether using your AC or heat, adjust your thermostat to the most comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and...


Could you power your computer with solar panels?

Could you power your computer with solar panels?According to an article by YellowLite, a solar installation company, it is technically possible to power your computer with solar panels. However, the practicality and cost-effectiveness of doing so are questionable.To calculate the energy consumption of your computer, you need to consider the power requirements of its parts, such as the CPU, GPU, hard drives, and accessories. Desktops typically consume between 200 to 500 watts on average, while laptops range from 30 to 70 watts. YellowLite suggests using 100 watts as a...


Dominion Energy Offering Energy-Saving Incentives for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Dominion Energy South Carolina is providing small businesses and nonprofits with an attractive incentive to make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible organizations can receive a 95% incentive, up to $6,000, for upgrading their lighting and heating and cooling systems. This incentive is 5% higher than the standard offer for program participants.Annika Goodson, program manager at Dominion Energy, expressed the company's commitment to helping customers improve their energy efficiency while keeping costs low. She stated, "We are continuously looking for ways to assist our...


Duke Energy Recognized as one of America's Most JUST Companies for Second Consecutive Year

Duke Energy has once again been named one of America's Most JUST Companies, ranking 57th overall in the prestigious list. This recognition, for the second consecutive year, highlights the company's commitment to prioritizing customers and employees in its clean energy transition.Katherine Neebe, Duke Energy's chief sustainability & philanthropy officer and senior vice president, national engagement and strategy, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, stating, "Our long-term success is deeply intertwined with the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and...


Settlement Reached in JCP&L Rate Review that Supports Continued Reliability Enhancements

HOLMDEL, New Jersey – FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) has reached a settlement in its base rate review currently pending with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). If approved by the BPU, the settlement will help JCP&L invest in enhancements that further strengthen electrical infrastructure to benefit its 1.1 million customers while allowing the company to continue recovering its investments in restoring electricity to customers following storms and severe weather.Parties to the settlement include JCP&L, New Jersey Division of...


Columbia Gas sponsors new exhibit at Hocking Hills Children’s Museum

On January 16, the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum opened its doors, offering an interactive space for children aged six months to ten years and their families. The museum includes a toddler-friendly soft play area, a water section with fishing rods and waterfalls, and a dig pit sponsored by Columbia Gas of Ohio.


Duke Energy Provides Resource Plan Update to South Carolina Regulators to Meet Growing Energy Demand

Duke Energy, a key player in supporting South Carolina's growth, has provided an update to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) on the need for additional energy generation resources. The state's booming population and expanding economy have led to an unprecedented demand for energy."We're already projecting eight times the load growth we anticipated just two years ago," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president. "To meet customer needs, we're proposing more of nearly every resource available to us as we maintain our diverse, 'all of...


Final Federal Approvals for Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Represent Another Major Milestone Towards Successful Project Completion

Dominion Energy has announced that it has received the final federal approvals necessary to begin construction on its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has provided its final approval of CVOW's Construction and Operations Plan (COP), while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit to allow for permitted impacts to U.S. waters."We are thrilled to see the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project receive two major approvals that will place the nation's largest offshore wind farm right off the coast of...


Duke Energy Launches EV Charger Rental Program in North Carolina

Duke Energy, one of America's largest energy holding companies, has launched an electric vehicle (EV) charger rental program in North Carolina. The Charger Solution program allows residential and business customers to lease an EV charger from Duke Energy at a low monthly cost, covering hardware, warranty, and maintenance.Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina president, expressed the company's commitment to preparing for the electric vehicle transition, stating, "By offering a variety of charger solutions, we hope our customers feel confident that they have a choice to...


Dominion Energy Declares Quarterly Dividend of 66.75 Cents

Dominion Energy, a leading energy company, has announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 66.75 cents per share of common stock. This announcement was made on January 26, 2024, and the dividends will be payable on March 20, 2024. Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2024, will be eligible to receive the dividends.According to Dominion Energy, this dividend payment marks a significant milestone as it is the 384th consecutive dividend that the company or its predecessor company has paid to holders of common stock. This...


Understanding AEP Ohio's Rate Increase: A Guide for Homeowners

AEP Ohio has announced a rate increase for customers who rely on the Standard Service Offer (SSO) for their electric generation supply. This change, effective from June 2023 through May 2024, is primarily due to increased generation supply prices resulting from recent competitive auctions.According to AEP Ohio, the rate hike is a result of increased costs for energy supply companies to procure energy. Energy supply auctions play a crucial role in determining electricity rates for consumers, especially in regions like Ohio where customers can choose their electricity...


Dominion Energy Launches EnergyShare Program with the Salvation Army to Help Families in Crisis

Dominion Energy Ohio has recently announced the commencement of its EnergyShare program in collaboration with local Salvation Army offices. The program aims to provide assistance to families facing financial hardships due to unemployment or family crises. Dominion Energy's EnergyShare program offers support by covering energy bills for customers who have exhausted all other forms of assistance.To be eligible for a one-time EnergyShare assistance payment, individuals must reside in the Dominion Energy service area, be a Dominion Energy customer, and fulfill certain...


Milestone Reflections

Yesterday, a prominent individual celebrated a milestone birthday and took some time to reflect on their personal and professional journey over the past half century. From their early days in robotics and medical imaging during grad school to almost a decade in the telecom industry, and now approaching two decades in the energy sector while living in Ohio, Arizona, and Florida, they have had a diverse range of experiences.In their reflections, they realized that there are a few things they have learned that they want to share with the next generation. They expressed their...


Duke Energy’s Rebates Program Helps Florida Customers Save Money on Home Improvements

Duke Energy is offering Florida customers the opportunity to earn up to $1,700 in rebate incentives through its Home Energy Improvement program. The program aims to help customers enhance their home's energy efficiency, lower their bills, and add value to their property.Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the importance of reaching out to the company before making any home improvements: "It’s important that customers reach out to us before they make improvements on their HVAC systems, windows, ducts and attic insulation so we can help you save...


Safety Meetings and Training Underway for Lineworkers in Current Quarter

Safety meetings and training sessions are currently in progress for lineworkers as part of the 1st quarter initiatives. The focus is on various aspects of safety and industry essentials to ensure the well-being of the workers.Jason Woods is leading a session on excavations with a specific focus on "Hazardous Pipelines ROW: What is an Excavation?" This training aims to educate workers on the potential hazards associated with pipelines and the importance of safe excavation practices.Zack Azallion is conducting a meeting titled "OSHA General Industry Essentials for the...


Flashlight Kits Shine the Light on Careers in Science and Technology

Employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, under the umbrella of West Penn Power, recently came together to assemble 450 STEM kits for fifth through seventh grade students in Westmoreland County school districts. The kits consist of build-it-yourself flashlight kits, designed to introduce children to the concept of electricity and its role in brightening our lives.The initiative, supported by FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation, aims to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Foundation...


Blake West and Dwight Miller Train Locals in Sierra Leone

In a recent trip to Sierra Leone, Blake West and Dwight Miller embarked on a mission that left a lasting impact on the local community. The duo recorded a web recording together and assisted in reviewing and completing essential manuals for Energicity, the local mini-grid provider."It was a life-changing trip for Blake and Dwight as they trained the locals on so many different things and were hands-on with cable splicing and climbing steel poles," shared a source close to the project. The hands-on approach taken by West and Miller allowed them to demonstrate...


Mon Power and Potomac Edison Reach Settlement in Rate Review

Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have reached a settlement agreement with the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding their base rate review proceeding. The settlement agreement, filed on January 23, aims to support the companies' commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to their customers.The parties involved in the rate review settlement include staff of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, the Consumer Advocate Division of the Commission, the West Virginia Energy Users Group, Longview Power,...


Biodiversity Efforts Help Protect New Jersey Wildlife

New Jersey's wildlife is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, thanks to dedicated efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity in the state. One species that has made a significant recovery is the osprey, which was listed as an endangered species in 1974 but has now reached historical numbers of 733 nesting pairs.However, with increased development and deforestation, the ospreys now face a new threat – power lines. To ensure the safety of these birds, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has taken proactive measures. JCP&L crews monitor nests on and near electrical...


From Overdue to Overjoyed: A Solar Transformation Story

Gabriel Smith, a resident of Beachwood, Ohio, has recently completed a solar energy project with the guidance of Cody Pipper, an expert from YellowLite. This solar panel system has not only saved Gabriel money on his electricity bills but has also made a positive impact on the environment.The comprehensive solar solution chosen by Gabriel had an initial cost of $53,414.00. However, by taking advantage of potential tax credits, including a Federal Tax Credit of -$13,887.64, the net cost of the system was significantly reduced to $39,526.36. The selected system type is the...