Latest News
Solar firms weigh pros and cons of W2 versus 1099 employment
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 2, 2024
Solar energy is gaining popularity, and many new companies are entering the market.
Freddie Mac updates guidelines on solar panel impact on home appraisals
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 2, 2024
Freddie Mac has updated its guidelines regarding the appraisal of homes with solar panels, effective from August 7, 2024.
FirstEnergy upgrades substation to improve service reliability for Toledo Edison customers
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 1, 2024
Work is underway by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. to expand and upgrade a high-voltage substation in Sylvania Township, Lucas County. The project will include installing new automated equipment and technology to enhance electric service reliability for more than 20,000 Toledo Edison customers in northwestern Ohio.
FirstEnergy launches AI-driven tool to predict tree-related outages
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 30, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. has introduced a new program designed to predict and reduce tree-related outages across its six-state service area. The company's vegetation management team developed the AI-driven program to identify where trees pose the most risk to the electric system, particularly before winter and summer storm seasons.
Ohio electric cooperatives provide mutual aid after Hurricane Helene
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 30, 2024
Electric cooperatives in Ohio are extending mutual aid to co-ops in North and South Carolina following Hurricane Helene. The hurricane left millions without power across the Southeast and Midwest.
Six practical tips for saving energy this back-to-school season
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 27, 2024
As summer transitions into fall and children return to school, it's an opportune time for families to adopt energy-saving habits at home. Implementing a few simple strategies can help manage energy consumption and reduce utility bills.
FirstEnergy Akron Marathon brings community together
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 27, 2024
Running may be an individual sport, but the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon is all about community. On Saturday, September 28, determined runners will lace up their shoes and set their sights on the finish line as thousands of dedicated spectators line the streets to cheer them on. Family, friends, and neighbors light up all 26.2 miles of the city’s beloved Blue Line – boosting spirits with handmade signs, words of encouragement, music, and noisemakers to help racers experience the energy of every mile.
FirstEnergy sends crews to aid hurricane recovery efforts
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 26, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. has mobilized around 200 line workers and support personnel to assist Duke Energy Carolinas and Georgia Power with power restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene. Crews began their journey on Wednesday morning, heading to North Carolina and Georgia, with all expected to arrive by early Saturday.
FirstEnergy uses electric truck as pace car for Akron Marathon
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 25, 2024
A new all-electric truck is assisting the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon in promoting clean energy. The Ford F-150 Lightning PRO, owned by FirstEnergy, will guide this year’s race winner to the finish line on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Students explore stem careers with help from nonprofit
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 24, 2024
New Jersey-based nonprofit Students 2 Science is working to prepare the future workforce by sparking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields among students in economically disadvantaged communities. The organization helps students from elementary through high school explore STEM careers and education by inspiring them through experiential learning opportunities at Students 2 Science’s technology centers and through relationships with local companies in the STEM field.
FirstEnergy Corp declares steady quarterly dividend amid ongoing challenges
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Sep 24, 2024
The Board of Directors of FirstEnergy Corp. has declared an unchanged quarterly dividend of $0.425 per share of outstanding common stock. This dividend is payable on December 1, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 7, 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.
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.