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Maximizing the Lifespan of Solar Batteries: A Comprehensive Guide
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 2, 2024
"May 2 2024"In the realm of solar energy technology, a common query arises concerning the longevity of solar batteries. The durability of these batteries not only impacts savings but also influences the ability to control energy consumption, thereby fostering a sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle.Lithium-ion batteries stand out as the preferred choice for residential solar systems due to their high energy density, long cycle life, low maintenance requirement, efficient charging capabilities, and improved safety features. These batteries typically last between 10 to...
Mon Power Selected by U.S. Department of Energy for Reliability Project Grant
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 2, 2024
FAIRMONT, W.Va., May 2, 2024 -- FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Mon Power has been chosen by the Department of Energy to enter into award negotiations for a potential $5 million federal funding grant. The project aims to enhance electric reliability for customers in rural areas of West Virginia, as part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.The grant, if approved, will be utilized to revamp over 23 miles of power lines in Pocahontas, Braxton, and Clay counties, along with establishing a two-mile...
Director's Quick Thinking Saves the Day in Safety Incident
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
In a recent incident at a meeting in the Touchstone rooms of a statewide office, a director's quick thinking and decisive actions saved a life, highlighting the importance of safety leadership in organizations.During the meeting, a director suddenly appeared to be in distress, leading CEO Pat O’Loughlin and Nila Moyers to intervene. Nila attempted the Heimlich maneuver unsuccessfully, prompting Pat to step in and successfully clear the director's airway. The director later revealed that she was on the verge of passing out before receiving assistance.Reflecting on the...
RESAP/Commitment to Zero Contacts (CtZ) Phase 2 Progresses Towards Success
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
In a recent update on the RESAP/Commitment to Zero Contacts (CtZ) Phase 2 program, significant progress has been reported. The year 2024 has been highlighted as a milestone for the completion of the first round of CtZ Phase 2.One participant in the program expressed their positive experience, stating, "It has been amazing to be in those 18 closed door sessions talking about things openly and honestly with your line personnel." The emphasis was on fostering open communication, trust, and transparency within the cooperative environment. The dedication of lineworkers to...
May 2024 Cooperative Safety Highlight - Hancock-Wood Electric
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
In the latest May 2024 issue of SAFELINES, the spotlight is on Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative and their innovative safety practices. The Cooperative Safety Highlight features a unique storage cart designed by Clint Patterson, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in the workplace.The storage cart, crafted to hold materials and tools for framing poles in the shop, was a collaborative effort with input from various team members. These mobile carts play a crucial role in the organization, with around 90% of poles being framed in the shop before the crew heads out. This...
Ohio Electric Cooperatives Shift Focus to Managing Processes Safely
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
Ohio's electric cooperatives are undergoing a significant transformation in their approach to risk assessment and safety management. In a recent article for RE Magazine, Dwight Miller, a prominent figure in the industry, shared insights on the evolution of risk assessment practices within the cooperative sector.Miller highlighted the shift from traditional safety management programs to a more holistic approach of "managing processes safely." He emphasized the importance of integrating safety as a core value in every aspect of cooperative operations, stating, "In managing...
ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) May 2024 Update
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
A total of 15 Ohio lineworkers have completed OEC’s ELDT program and now possess their CDLs, with an unknown speaker expressing, "That’s great news and it now appears to be slowing down a little bit."However, there have been some challenges encountered by two cooperatives in Ohio regarding the free theory course offered by the state, as mentioned by another unidentified speaker, "Please be aware that there have been issues for two cooperatives with the free theory course that the state of Ohio offers, and we had to do a workaround in order to get the students proper...
Central Ohio Lineworker Training Program Prepares for Busy Year in 2024
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
Central Ohio Lineworker Training Program (COLT) is gearing up for a busy year ahead as it continues to provide essential training opportunities for lineworkers. The program's schedule for the year is filled with various educational activities aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its participants.According to a recent update, COLT has seen enrollment from both apprentices and new hire students. A spokesperson for COLT stated, "This spring, 11 apprentices were enrolled and completed their COLT 1000/1050 classes, and we currently have 13 new hire students scheduled...
Culture of Safety Strategy Lab Update: May 2024
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
In the latest update on the Culture of Safety Strategy Lab for May 2024, various key points were discussed and analyzed. The focus has been on identifying areas for improvement at the statewide level. According to the report, five high-level items have been pinpointed as in need of attention.The first area highlighted is in-house safety meetings or safety discussions, with an estimated current effectiveness of 30%. Incident reporting and analysis follow closely behind, with estimated current reporting at 25% and analysis at 10%. In-house crew observations were noted to...
Safety Throwback - Looking Back at COLT Cohort 3 EUT-1100 from June 2006
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
In this issue’s Safety Throwback, we take a look back at COLT Cohort 3 EUT-1100, their basic underground class in June of 2006. The picture from the class features familiar faces, including Dave Byers from The Energy Cooperative, Chris Host from Carroll Electric Cooperative, Chad Shumaker from Frontier Power Company, Rob Campbell from Carroll Electric Cooperative, Ray Brunner from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, and Derk Beckett also from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.According to the information provided, four individuals in the photo are still employed at the...
Pollinator Garden Donation Compliments JCP&L’s Tree Donation Efforts
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 1, 2024
A new pollinator garden has been established in Monmouth County, providing a safe haven for essential animals and insects crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The garden, donated by FirstEnergy, was planted at Howell’s Aldrich Elementary School by volunteers from Jersey Central Power & Light’s (JCP&L) Green Team on April 12. The initiative aims to not only support pollinator populations but also serve as an educational resource for the community.Ray Vender, Advanced Forestry Specialist at FirstEnergy and chair of JCP&L’s Green Team, expressed the importance of...
FirstEnergy's Green Team Members Enhance Community Gardens in Western Pennsylvania
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 30, 2024
FirstEnergy’s Green Team recently demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship by participating in a community garden revitalization project in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Led by Lucy Bittner, Vice President of Jeanette Greenspaces, the volunteers worked tirelessly to replenish garden plots with fresh topsoil and compost, despite facing challenges like malfunctioning wheelbarrows.Bittner expressed her gratitude, stating, “I can’t thank yinz enough.” She also highlighted the importance of the Green Team's support, especially for those who are no longer...
Growing Participation in RECAP Program Enhances Cybersecurity for Ohio Cooperatives
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 30, 2024
In the latest update of the Rural Electric Cyber Advancement Program (RECAP) for May 2024, it was reported that participation in the program continues to expand. According to the update, there are currently 21 cooperatives that have either completed the assessment or are scheduled to do so in 2024, with a call for all Ohio cooperatives to join in. The focus remains on maximizing the value of the program for members through "Cooperation Among Cooperatives."The assessments conducted in 2023 have unveiled common actionable items for many cooperatives, leading to the...
Nearly 500 Trees to be Planted Across Mahoning Valley on Arbor Day Today
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 26, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. is gearing up to mark Arbor Day by donating nearly 500 trees to two locations in Mahoning County. The company will be planting 300 hardwood trees at Mill Creek MetroParks in Canfield and 160 trees at Beaver Township Nature Preserve in North Lima. Jessica Shaffer, Advanced Scientist and Green Team Leader at FirstEnergy, emphasized the significance of tree-planting, stating, “Planting trees is not just about growing roots, it’s about cultivating relationships.”Nick Derico, Natural Resources Manager at Mill Creek MetroParks, expressed gratitude for...
FirstEnergy Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 25, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. has reported its first quarter 2024 financial results, showcasing a strong start to the year. The company's GAAP earnings were $0.44 per share, with operating earnings reaching $0.55 per share, exceeding the midpoint of guidance. Brian X. Tierney, President and Chief Executive Officer, expressed satisfaction with the performance, stating, "Despite a mild winter, we're off to a solid start in 2024."Tierney highlighted the company's milestone in strengthening its balance sheet, mentioning, "We significantly strengthened our balance sheet, supporting...
New EPA Rules Threaten Reliability and Affordability of Electricity in Ohio
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 25, 2024
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency released its long-anticipated final rule targeting emissions from power plants across the country, impacting facilities like the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. The plant, described as the backbone of reliable and affordable electricity generation for Ohio’s electric cooperative members, is facing significant challenges ahead.Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Buckeye Power and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, criticized the EPA's regulations, stating, "EPA has again proposed an unrealistic and unachievable set of...
New FirstEnergy Foundation Volunteer Center Gives Foodbank Volunteers a Place to Shine
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 24, 2024
In 2023, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank saw the tremendous impact of its dedicated volunteers who contributed over 64,000 hours of service, helping provide more than 1.6 million meals to local families in need. These volunteers played a crucial role in supporting the community, and now they have a new space to shine and work safely - the FirstEnergy Foundation Volunteer Center.The Volunteer Center, located at the Foodbank’s Akron Warehouse, was made possible by the FirstEnergy Foundation's generous donation of $750,000. This facility will serve as a hub for volunteers...
Fascinating Facts: A History of Solar Energy from ancient Egypt to Today
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 23, 2024
Many ancient cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, utilized solar energy in various ways throughout history. The ancient Egyptians, for example, designed their mud brick-houses to harness the sun's heat for warmth during the night. This practice was also observed in other ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, and Chinese.The concept of converting light into electricity dates back to ancient times, but the photovoltaic effect was officially discovered in 1839 by French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel. His groundbreaking observation laid...
Mon Power Employees Support Local Communities in Fight Against Hunger
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 23, 2024
Mon Power employees have joined forces with Morgantown-based nonprofit Pantry Plus More to tackle child hunger in Monongahela County, West Virginia. According to Pantry Plus More, one in five children in the county go to bed hungry, highlighting the crucial need for assistance in the area.The recent collaboration between Mon Power employees and Pantry Plus More involved various activities aimed at alleviating food insecurity. Volunteers packed food boxes, prepared weekend food bags for students, assembled hygiene boxes for families in need, and assisted with organizing...
EnergizeNJ Proposal Aims to Improve Power Outages in New Jersey
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 23, 2024
JCP&L's President, Jim Fakult, recently highlighted the significance of the company's EnergizeNJ initiative, aimed at enhancing service reliability for customers. Fakult stated, "EnergizeNJ is one of the most significant initiatives JCP&L has ever put together to enhance service reliability for customers. It’s important to us that these upgrades not only enhance service by reducing how often you lose power or how long your lights are out, but also do it in a cost-conscious manner."The initiative, which involves $930.5 million in infrastructure upgrades, focuses on...