Power restoration efforts continue in Pennsylvania and West Virginia following severe storms that left about 385,000 FirstEnergy customers without electricity. FirstEnergy reported that power has been restored to approximately 156,000 customers, with repair work ongoing in affected areas.
The storm system caused heavy rain and winds exceeding 70 mph in some regions, particularly impacting western and central Pennsylvania. The damage resulted in numerous broken poles, crossarms, and downed power lines. Restoration work is expected to take several days, especially in Pennsylvania.
Residents are advised to stay at least 30 feet away from any downed or low-hanging power lines, which should be considered live and dangerous. "Report downed lines ASAP by calling 911," a spokesperson advised.
FirstEnergy has deployed more than 2,000 lineworkers, hazard responders, forestry crews, and other support personnel from its sister companies and mutual aid organizations to assist in the restoration process. Over 3,400 workers, including external contractors, are participating in the storm response efforts.
As of 10 a.m. today, West Penn Power reported that 143,000 out of 214,000 affected customers remain without power. In the Penelec service area, 48,000 remain without service out of 113,000 customers affected. The Penn Power service area has 3,800 out of 15,600 without power. Additionally, Mon Power has 16,500 customers still affected, with the Weirton area particularly impacted.
Estimated restoration times will be provided as crews assess damage and complete repairs, with many expected to see power restored sooner than initially estimated.
For updates, customers are encouraged to visit FirstEnergy’s outage map or can receive updates via text by sending STAT to 544487. New users need to text REG to the same number for updates.
FirstEnergy follows a structured restoration process, prioritizing transmission and substation repairs followed by critical facilities such as hospitals. They also attend to hundreds of isolated issues affecting individual customers.
FirstEnergy, which operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the country, remains committed to safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
For more information and safety tips, customers can visit FirstEnergy’s online resources. Contact information for queries and updates includes Will Boye for Mon Power and Potomac Edison at (240) 707-0271, and Todd Meyers for West Penn Power, Penelec, Met-Ed, and Penn Power at (724) 838-6650.