Latest News
Balderson leads bipartisan push against EPA's new power plant regulations
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 6, 2024
Ohio Congressman Troy Balderson (OH-12) has initiated a bipartisan effort under the Congressional Review Act to challenge the Biden Administration's plan to shut down coal power plants across the United States, including those in Ohio. This initiative has garnered support from 138 House colleagues. Concurrently, Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) led 43 of her Senate colleagues in introducing an identical resolution.
FirstEnergy conducts annual storm drill for efficient power restoration
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 5, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) operating in western and central Pennsylvania as West Penn Power and Penn Power, recently completed an emergency preparation drill to test its storm restoration process. The exercise aimed to prepare employees for potential severe weather events that could cause outages across its extensive service area.
FirstEnergy's PA Green Team restores habitat near Fallingwater house
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 5, 2024
FirstEnergy’s Green Team in western Pennsylvania recently gathered at the Bear Run Nature Preserve, home to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house, to plant shrubs and trees native to the region. The 125 red maple, pin oak, possumhaw, and black chokeberry saplings planted by more than a dozen FirstEnergy volunteers aim to restore forested habitat lost over the years and deter ATV riders from certain areas of the preserve.
Met-Ed demonstrates electrical safety for first responders at PA Fire Expo
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 4, 2024
Met-Ed line crews recently showcased their live-wire safety demonstration at the PA Fire Expo, an event hosted by the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The expo is a premier trade show for first responders, featuring the latest equipment and rescue techniques.
Exploring when wall-mounted solar panels are the right choice
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 4, 2024
Wall-mounted solar panels have gained traction over the past decade, particularly in urban areas and regions with limited roof space. As the world seeks sustainable energy solutions, wall-mounted solar panels present a versatile alternative to traditional rooftop installations. Their vertical installation method and ability to blend into a building's design make them both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
New Jersey residents advised on managing rising summer energy costs
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 4, 2024
As energy costs rise, New Jersey residents are seeking ways to manage their expenses this summer. On June 1, 2024, the basic generation service (BGS) charge increased for JCP&L customers. However, there are several strategies that can help mitigate these costs.
Efforts underway to ensure road safety during Ohio’s mayfly season
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 3, 2024
As communities along Lake Erie prepare for the mass arrival of mayflies this summer, FirstEnergy Corp. electric company Ohio Edison is proactively working with local municipalities to keep roads along the lakeshore safe by temporarily turning off streetlights to deter swarms of the insects. Mayflies are attracted to streetlights and can create hazardous driving conditions when large numbers accumulate along roads and bridges near the lights.
FirstEnergy seeks PUCO review for rate changes aimed at enhancing service reliability
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 31, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp.'s Ohio electric companies—Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison—have filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to review their base electric rates. The rate request aims to recover investments made to enhance the distribution system, improve customer experience, and establish a new customer assistance program for income-eligible residential customers. The proposed annual revenue change is approximately $93.6 million compared to current rates.
Buckeye Power names Craig Grooms as new CEO
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 30, 2024
Patrick O’Loughlin, President and CEO of Buckeye Power and Ohio’s Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC), has announced his plan to retire on January 3, 2025, after a decade at the helm. The boards of directors have named Craig Grooms, the current Chief Operations Officer, as his successor.
First phase of Fox Squirrel Solar project completed by EDF Renewables, Enbridge
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 28, 2024
Phase 1 of the Fox Squirrel Solar project near Mt. Sterling began commercial operations last week. EDF Renewables North America and Enbridge Inc., the companies supporting the project, announced the initiation of electric generation at an event last week.
U.S. senators express bipartisan concern over USEPA's new power plant rules
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 28, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC—A group of bipartisan U.S. senators, including Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), expressed concerns over the USEPA's new power plant rules during a recent committee hearing.
Ohio leaders oppose EPA's fossil fuel plant regulations
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 28, 2024
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted sent a letter to USEPA Administrator Michael Regan last week, expressing their opposition to the federal rule on fossil-fueled power plants.
YellowLite hosts webinar on solar panel options and SREC qualifications
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 23, 2024
YellowLite hosted a webinar on May 22 to discuss the differences between buying, financing, or leasing solar installations. The session also covered Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) in detail and explained how to check qualification status.
Should you lease or buy your residential solar system
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 23, 2024
On May 23, 2024, a discussion emerged on whether homeowners should lease or buy their residential solar systems. This topic is pertinent as many homes are not permanent residences, raising questions about the best financial and practical approach to adopting solar energy.
FirstEnergy CEO highlights progress at annual shareholder meeting
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 22, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) President and Chief Executive Officer Brian X. Tierney addressed shareholders at the company's 2024 Annual Meeting, emphasizing the company’s progress and resilience. "We have a strong foundation, clear focus and robust strategy to deliver long-term value to our shareholders, customers, communities and employees," Tierney stated.
FirstEnergy appoints new executives to lead state electric companies
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 21, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced the appointment of four new executives to lead its Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey state electric company businesses and its stand-alone transmission companies. This move is part of the company's strategy to enhance execution and customer investments at the local level.
FirstEnergy completes annual storm restoration drill for severe weather events
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) operating in eastern Pennsylvania as Met-Ed, has recently concluded its annual emergency preparation drill. The exercise aimed to test the company's storm restoration process for potential severe weather-related outages in its extensive and heavily wooded service area.
Ohio electric cooperatives advocate for grid reliability and tax reform
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
Leaders from 17 Ohio electric cooperatives recently dedicated a day to meet with influential state legislators and officials. The focus of the discussions was on grid reliability, kilowatt-hour tax reform, and opportunities for New ERA funding aimed at promoting reliability within the energy sector.
Ohio Senate resolution challenges new EPA greenhouse gas rules
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
Pat O’Loughlin, President and CEO of the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC), testified in support of Senate Resolution 296 (SR 296) on May 20, 2024. The resolution urges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw recently finalized regulations on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). SR 296 passed the Senate on May 8 with bipartisan support, and a similar measure is being pursued by the Ohio House to counteract the new rule.
FirstEnergy completes electric grid enhancements in Mahoning Valley
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 20, 2024
American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has completed the installation of approximately 250 new insulators along a 22-mile section of a transmission line that runs through Mahoning and Columbiana counties in northeast Ohio. This enhancement is expected to bolster the reliability and resilience of the electric grid for roughly 1,500 Ohio Edison customers in the Mahoning Valley.