FirstEnergy Corp. has completed its winter preparations to ensure reliable power for its West Virginia customers during the colder months. The company's subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, have carried out inspections and maintenance across their service areas in anticipation of increased electric use.
Jim Myers, Vice President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Operations, emphasized the importance of these measures: "Ensuring our system is well-prepared for the challenges of winter weather is crucial. These proactive steps will help us provide safe and reliable power to keep our customers comfortable in the coming months."
The companies have inspected substation equipment and winterized control buildings to maintain essential system components. Electricians utilized thermovision cameras to detect potential issues like loose connections and corrosion that are not visible through regular inspections. This technology helps prevent future power outages by allowing timely repairs.
Tree trimming has been conducted throughout the year to maintain clearances around electrical systems, protecting against tree-related outages caused by snow, high winds, and ice. Mon Power and Potomac Edison aim to complete trimming along 6,800 miles of power lines by year's end.
Additionally, company vehicles have been inspected for safe operation during winter conditions. This includes checking tires and air braking systems for moisture-related issues and ensuring snow removal equipment is available for accessing work sites.
Mon Power's regulated power plants—Fort Martin Power Station and Harrison Power Station—have undergone maintenance as part of their winterization plan to ensure optimal performance during cold weather.
Customers can find tips on preparing for severe weather at FirstEnergy's 24/7 Power Center online. These include sealing leaks around windows, using smart thermostats efficiently, checking furnace filters, insulating homes properly, and more.
For those needing assistance with electric bills this season, payment arrangements are available through FirstEnergy's website.
Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers across 34 counties in West Virginia. Potomac Edison serves about 155,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle region.
FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across several states with a vast network of transmission lines connecting major regions.