News from 2024
PJM announces substantial cost increase impacting Ohio utility bills
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 23, 2024
On July 31, 2024, PJM, Ohio's regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating wholesale electricity movement in the state, announced a significant increase in the "cost of capacity" for most utilities starting June 1, 2025.
Mon Power begins work on third utility-scale solar site
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 23, 2024
Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have initiated construction on their third utility-scale solar site in West Virginia. The Marlowe solar project is situated along Interstate 81 and the Potomac River on a 36-acre property in Berkeley County, previously an ash disposal site for the former R. Paul Smith Power Station. In 2022, FirstEnergy completed the closure of the landfill after removing over three million tons of ash.
What’s at stake with solar cases heard by Ohio Supreme Court
By Ohio Energy Reporter reports | Sep 20, 2024
Solar generation facilities have swamped the Ohio electric grid in recent years. Six facilities have already been built, with another 37 approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board.
FirstEnergy reaches settlement in rate review expanding customer aid programs
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 16, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has reached a $225 million settlement in its base rate review, pending approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC). The settlement aims to expand bill assistance for low-income residential customers and facilitate investments in the electric grid to ensure safe and reliable service.
Electrical safety demo planned at Northeast Ohio Balloon Festival
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 16, 2024
Ohio Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. electric company, will present its live wire electrical safety trailer at the upcoming Balloon A-Fair in downtown Ravenna, Portage County, on Saturday, Sept. 21. The demonstration will utilize the trailer's 7,200-kilovolt power lines to educate attendees on the power of electricity, recognizing dangerous conditions, and staying safe around power lines and electrical equipment.
Switching to a smart thermostat could significantly reduce annual heating and cooling costs
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 13, 2024
The average home spends nearly $1,000 a year on heating and cooling, accounting for almost half of an annual energy bill. Investing in a smart thermostat can help lower that number. An EPA study found that smart thermostats certified by ENERGY STAR® can save customers an average of 8% on heating and cooling bills.
FirstEnergy reaches $100 million settlement with SEC over investigation
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 12, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to resolve its previously disclosed investigation.
Managing household appliance electricity: How much does a clothes dryer consume
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 12, 2024
When it comes to household appliances, the clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy consumers. For homeowners in Ohio, the Midwest, and beyond, understanding how much electricity your dryer uses is key to managing energy costs, improving efficiency, and making informed decisions about your energy usage. As solar energy becomes increasingly popular, it’s also important to explore how harnessing solar power can offset the energy demands of your dryer and contribute to a more sustainable home.
Northern Ohio Recovery Association expands services with new all-electric building
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 10, 2024
The Northern Ohio Recovery Association (NORA) is minimizing its carbon footprint while expanding services to vulnerable men and women within the community by breaking ground on an all-electric-powered addition to its Cleveland campus.
Jersey Central Power & Light relaunches residential EV charging incentives
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 10, 2024
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has relaunched its EV Driven residential electric vehicle charging incentives after maxing out customer participation in 2023. The incentives cover the cost of preparation work required before an EV charger can be installed.
Report: U.S. energy subsidies driving the transition to renewables in Ohio
By Ohio Energy Reporter reports | Sep 7, 2024
A new study suggests that the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy in America, including in Ohio, is being driven by federal energy subsidies.
Tesla introduces advanced Powerwall 3 for improved home energy storage
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 6, 2024
As solar energy continues to revolutionize home power solutions, energy storage has become a critical component of this transformation. For homeowners in Ohio and the Midwest, where energy independence and cost savings are priorities, the Tesla Powerwall 3 represents an advancement in home energy management. With the capability to store solar energy for use when sunlight is unavailable, the Powerwall 3 provides a method to optimize solar investments and manage home energy needs effectively.
New transformer energized in downtown Lebanon substation
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 5, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. doing business as Met-Ed in southeastern Pennsylvania, recently energized a new transformer at its substation near Third and Willow streets in Lebanon. This initiative aims to enhance electric service reliability for more than 7,000 customers in the city, North Lebanon Township, and West Lebanon Township.
Buckeye Power receives federal funding for renewable energy projects
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 5, 2024
Buckeye Power, Inc. has been selected as one of 16 electric cooperatives nationwide to receive part of $7.3 billion in funding aimed at developing renewable energy projects for Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives. The announcement will be made by President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack during a visit to Wisconsin, highlighting the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Jersey Central Power & Light announces power line upgrades for Morris and Monmouth counties
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 3, 2024
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is upgrading two power lines in Morris and Monmouth counties, New Jersey. The upgrades, part of JCP&L's New Jersey Reliability Improvement Project, are scheduled for completion in November. This initiative follows the company's rate review settlement approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities in February.
Ten reasons why commercial solar installation is smart for businesses
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 2, 2024
As businesses face increasing energy costs, pressure to adopt sustainable practices, and a growing need to protect their bottom line, commercial solar installations are becoming an attractive solution. For companies in Ohio, the Midwest, and further afield, investing in solar energy offers a way to reduce operational costs, enhance corporate social responsibility, and gain a competitive edge. Here are 10 compelling reasons why commercial solar installation is a smart business decision.
Frasier Solar faces uphill battle against local opposition
By Ohio Energy Reporter reports | Aug 29, 2024
Testimony at a recent Ohio Power Siting Board hearing revealed that Frasier Solar may have difficulty getting its application approved for an 840 acre solar generation facility in Knox County.
Columbia Gas partners with agencies during Hunger Action Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Aug 27, 2024
This Sunday marks the start of Hunger Action Month, and Columbia Gas of Ohio is set to collaborate with various agencies across the state to address food insecurity.
EPA grants boost Ohio's landfill-to-solar energy projects
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Aug 26, 2024
Ohio clean energy projects under an Inflation Reduction Act grant announced last month demonstrate how solar installations on closed landfills can reduce greenhouse gases, improve resilience, and provide funding for other environmental goals.
Met-Ed joins local celebration at Berks Pride Fest
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Aug 26, 2024
Employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, operating as Met-Ed in eastern areas of the state, participated in Berks Pride Fest in Reading to promote inclusiveness and provide community support. The company hosted a table offering employment information for FirstEnergy’s nearby Customer Care Center and distributed energy efficiency tips.