Ohio Energy Reporter

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Business

How risk assessment has evolved: Fostering trust through coaching

This article is the second in a series of three written in response to input provided for the Co-op Forum in the April 2024 edition of RE Magazine.


Business

COLT graduates 27 apprentices amid ongoing pandemic challenges

The COLT training center has announced the graduation of 27 apprentices who began their training in 2020. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the center, along with electric cooperatives across Ohio, maintained operations to ensure safety and continued education.


Business

FirstEnergy declares quarterly dividend payable September 1

FirstEnergy Corp. Declares Common Stock Dividend of $0.425 Per Share


Business

Rural electric cooperatives emphasize unseen benefits in enhancing worker safety

This time of year, there is a heightened sense of alert due to the rise in electrical contact incidents during the summer months with increased exposure. "Let's keep that conversation alive," said Dwight Miller, Senior Director of Safety Training and Loss Prevention at Ohio's Electric Cooperatives.


Business

Ohio joins 26 states in Supreme Court challenge against EPA's new power plant rule

Ohio and 26 other states have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) power plant rule, finalized in early May. Among the declarations of harm filed is one from Buckeye Power, a not-for-profit power generation corporation for Ohio’s electric cooperatives.


Business

Energy-saving tips for swimming pools this summer

If you own a pool, you’re probably spending hundreds of dollars each year to operate it. According to ENERGY STAR, your pool pump could be your home’s second largest energy user. These tips can help you save on your electric bill while enjoying your pool.


Business

Smart grid enhancements underway for York and Adams counties' electric systems

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) operating as Met-Ed in eastern Pennsylvania, is implementing smart, automated equipment on neighborhood power lines serving 24,160 customers in York and Adams Counties. This initiative aims to mitigate prolonged service interruptions, especially during severe weather conditions.


Business

FirstEnergy renews title sponsorship with International Soap Box Derby through 2027

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is extending its title sponsorship with The International Soap Box Derby (ISBD) for three years, covering the period from 2025 to 2027. This renewal continues a partnership that began in 2012 between the two Akron-based entities.


Business

Electric cooperatives announce teams for 2024 step challenge

Adams Rural Electric and several other cooperatives have announced their participation in the 2024 Walk The Line Step Challenge. Teams from various cooperatives will compete in this annual event aimed at promoting health and wellness among employees.


Business

FirstEnergy completes receipt of $3.5B proceeds from FET stake sale

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced on July 17, 2024, that it has received the remaining $1.2 billion in proceeds from the $3.5 billion sale of a 30% ownership interest in its FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC (FET) subsidiary to Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners (Brookfield). The initial proceeds of $2.3 billion were received from Brookfield when the transaction closed in March. The remaining $1.2 billion in interest-bearing notes were extinguished with Brookfield's final payment on July 17.


Business

Ohio's youth tour sees record participation in 2024

OEC’s 2024 Youth Tour concluded on June 21, setting a record for the number of cooperatives participating in the program. A total of 50 student delegates from 20 Ohio cooperatives and one West Virginia co-op, Harrison REA, traveled to Washington D.C. for a week-long educational trip.


Business

FirstEnergy receives industry award for winter storm outage restoration efforts

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has received an Emergency Recovery Award from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for its exceptional efforts in restoring power to hundreds of thousands of customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey following Winter Storms Finn and Gerri in January 2024. This marks the 19th consecutive year that FirstEnergy has been recognized by EEI for its storm response initiatives.


Business

Lebanon approves $13.4M solar project with Kokosing Solar

After a public bidding process, Kokosing Solar was selected as the Design-Build and EPC Partner for the City of Lebanon Solar Project. In a unanimous vote, the City Council approved the $13.4 million solar project largely due to its long-term financial benefits to ratepayers. Lebanon is the seventh largest municipal-owned utility in Ohio.


Business

Assurant partners with Kokosing Solar for $5M renewable energy project

Assurant, Inc., a premier provider of specialty insurance, embarked on its first solar project by conducting a nationwide search. Kokosing Solar was selected for its expertise in solar project development and construction. The collaboration resulted in a 1.8 MW solar project structured as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This $5 million roof and parking canopy project was designed and built by Kokosing Solar's team, delivered on time and within budget.


Business

Private client selects Kokosing Solar for complex 3.9 MW DC project in Ohio

When a private client sought bids for a solar EPC partner to install a 3.9 MW DC solar array, they selected Kokosing Solar for its industry experience. The project required extensive collaboration with structural engineers, racking manufacturers, FM Global, SCADA technicians, and the client.


Business

Stratford Ecological Center completes first solar project with Kokosing Solar

Stratford Ecological Center, a non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve on 236 acres in Delaware County, Ohio, has undertaken its first solar project. The center selected Kokosing Solar for the development and construction of the project due to their expertise in solar project management.


Business

City of Athens selects Kokosing Solar for East Side Solar Project

After a public bidding process, Kokosing Solar was selected as the Design-Build, EPC, and Equity Partner for the City of Athens East Side Solar Project. This project includes a rooftop array on the City of Athens Community Center, solar canopy shade structures at the city pool, and a large ground mount solar array that powers the adjacent wastewater treatment plant. The combined capacity of these solar sites totals 2.123 MW DC.


Business

Cuyahoga County approves solar power agreement for multiple county-owned buildings

Cuyahoga County has approved a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the installation of solar panels on several county-owned buildings. These installations include the Medical Examiner’s Office in Cleveland, the Animal Shelter in Valley View, and the Harvard Road Garage in Newburgh Heights. The Aggregated Solar Program is designed to enable these facilities to generate approximately 10 percent of their power needs through solar energy.


Business

FirstEnergy provides tools & tips for managing electric services during moves

We know moving can be stressful, but starting, stopping, or transferring your electric service doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, our easy-to-use online tools will help you check a box off your to-do list.


Business

Hidden costs of summer: Energy-saving strategies

These easy energy-saving strategies can help you stay cool and manage your energy use this summer. For more tips and resources to save energy and money all year, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy.