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Duke Energy Shares Tips to Save Energy and Money in Fluctuating Winter Temperatures in Florida
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 7, 2024
As winter temperatures continue to fluctuate in Florida, Duke Energy is providing customers with resources, tips, and tools to help them manage energy usage and reduce utility bills. Duke Energy meteorologists reported peak highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s and peak lows in the 30s and mid-40s for December and January. To save energy and money, Duke Energy suggests the following tips:"Whether using your AC or heat, adjust your thermostat to the most comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and...
Could you power your computer with solar panels?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 7, 2024
Could you power your computer with solar panels?According to an article by YellowLite, a solar installation company, it is technically possible to power your computer with solar panels. However, the practicality and cost-effectiveness of doing so are questionable.To calculate the energy consumption of your computer, you need to consider the power requirements of its parts, such as the CPU, GPU, hard drives, and accessories. Desktops typically consume between 200 to 500 watts on average, while laptops range from 30 to 70 watts. YellowLite suggests using 100 watts as a...
Duke Energy Recognized as one of America's Most JUST Companies for Second Consecutive Year
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 6, 2024
Duke Energy has once again been named one of America's Most JUST Companies, ranking 57th overall in the prestigious list. This recognition, for the second consecutive year, highlights the company's commitment to prioritizing customers and employees in its clean energy transition.Katherine Neebe, Duke Energy's chief sustainability & philanthropy officer and senior vice president, national engagement and strategy, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, stating, "Our long-term success is deeply intertwined with the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and...
Settlement Reached in JCP&L Rate Review that Supports Continued Reliability Enhancements
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 5, 2024
HOLMDEL, New Jersey – FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) has reached a settlement in its base rate review currently pending with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). If approved by the BPU, the settlement will help JCP&L invest in enhancements that further strengthen electrical infrastructure to benefit its 1.1 million customers while allowing the company to continue recovering its investments in restoring electricity to customers following storms and severe weather.Parties to the settlement include JCP&L, New Jersey Division of...
Duke Energy Provides Resource Plan Update to South Carolina Regulators to Meet Growing Energy Demand
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 31, 2024
Duke Energy, a key player in supporting South Carolina's growth, has provided an update to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) on the need for additional energy generation resources. The state's booming population and expanding economy have led to an unprecedented demand for energy."We're already projecting eight times the load growth we anticipated just two years ago," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina president. "To meet customer needs, we're proposing more of nearly every resource available to us as we maintain our diverse, 'all of...
Duke Energy Launches EV Charger Rental Program in North Carolina
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 29, 2024
Duke Energy, one of America's largest energy holding companies, has launched an electric vehicle (EV) charger rental program in North Carolina. The Charger Solution program allows residential and business customers to lease an EV charger from Duke Energy at a low monthly cost, covering hardware, warranty, and maintenance.Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina president, expressed the company's commitment to preparing for the electric vehicle transition, stating, "By offering a variety of charger solutions, we hope our customers feel confident that they have a choice to...
Understanding AEP Ohio's Rate Increase: A Guide for Homeowners
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 26, 2024
AEP Ohio has announced a rate increase for customers who rely on the Standard Service Offer (SSO) for their electric generation supply. This change, effective from June 2023 through May 2024, is primarily due to increased generation supply prices resulting from recent competitive auctions.According to AEP Ohio, the rate hike is a result of increased costs for energy supply companies to procure energy. Energy supply auctions play a crucial role in determining electricity rates for consumers, especially in regions like Ohio where customers can choose their electricity...
Milestone Reflections
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 25, 2024
Yesterday, a prominent individual celebrated a milestone birthday and took some time to reflect on their personal and professional journey over the past half century. From their early days in robotics and medical imaging during grad school to almost a decade in the telecom industry, and now approaching two decades in the energy sector while living in Ohio, Arizona, and Florida, they have had a diverse range of experiences.In their reflections, they realized that there are a few things they have learned that they want to share with the next generation. They expressed their...
Duke Energy’s Rebates Program Helps Florida Customers Save Money on Home Improvements
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 25, 2024
Duke Energy is offering Florida customers the opportunity to earn up to $1,700 in rebate incentives through its Home Energy Improvement program. The program aims to help customers enhance their home's energy efficiency, lower their bills, and add value to their property.Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the importance of reaching out to the company before making any home improvements: "It’s important that customers reach out to us before they make improvements on their HVAC systems, windows, ducts and attic insulation so we can help you save...
Safety Meetings and Training Underway for Lineworkers in Current Quarter
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 24, 2024
Safety meetings and training sessions are currently in progress for lineworkers as part of the 1st quarter initiatives. The focus is on various aspects of safety and industry essentials to ensure the well-being of the workers.Jason Woods is leading a session on excavations with a specific focus on "Hazardous Pipelines ROW: What is an Excavation?" This training aims to educate workers on the potential hazards associated with pipelines and the importance of safe excavation practices.Zack Azallion is conducting a meeting titled "OSHA General Industry Essentials for the...
Flashlight Kits Shine the Light on Careers in Science and Technology
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 24, 2024
Employees of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, under the umbrella of West Penn Power, recently came together to assemble 450 STEM kits for fifth through seventh grade students in Westmoreland County school districts. The kits consist of build-it-yourself flashlight kits, designed to introduce children to the concept of electricity and its role in brightening our lives.The initiative, supported by FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation, aims to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Foundation...
Blake West and Dwight Miller Train Locals in Sierra Leone
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 24, 2024
In a recent trip to Sierra Leone, Blake West and Dwight Miller embarked on a mission that left a lasting impact on the local community. The duo recorded a web recording together and assisted in reviewing and completing essential manuals for Energicity, the local mini-grid provider."It was a life-changing trip for Blake and Dwight as they trained the locals on so many different things and were hands-on with cable splicing and climbing steel poles," shared a source close to the project. The hands-on approach taken by West and Miller allowed them to demonstrate...
Mon Power and Potomac Edison Reach Settlement in Rate Review
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 23, 2024
Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., have reached a settlement agreement with the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding their base rate review proceeding. The settlement agreement, filed on January 23, aims to support the companies' commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to their customers.The parties involved in the rate review settlement include staff of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, the Consumer Advocate Division of the Commission, the West Virginia Energy Users Group, Longview Power,...
Biodiversity Efforts Help Protect New Jersey Wildlife
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 23, 2024
New Jersey's wildlife is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, thanks to dedicated efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity in the state. One species that has made a significant recovery is the osprey, which was listed as an endangered species in 1974 but has now reached historical numbers of 733 nesting pairs.However, with increased development and deforestation, the ospreys now face a new threat – power lines. To ensure the safety of these birds, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has taken proactive measures. JCP&L crews monitor nests on and near electrical...
From Overdue to Overjoyed: A Solar Transformation Story
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 20, 2024
Gabriel Smith, a resident of Beachwood, Ohio, has recently completed a solar energy project with the guidance of Cody Pipper, an expert from YellowLite. This solar panel system has not only saved Gabriel money on his electricity bills but has also made a positive impact on the environment.The comprehensive solar solution chosen by Gabriel had an initial cost of $53,414.00. However, by taking advantage of potential tax credits, including a Federal Tax Credit of -$13,887.64, the net cost of the system was significantly reduced to $39,526.36. The selected system type is the...
Are Solar Panels Worth it in 2024?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 19, 2024
As the conversation around solar energy continues to evolve, many are questioning whether investing in solar panels is worth it in 2024. In this article, we will explore the environmental and financial benefits of transitioning to solar and why it might be the smartest decision you make this year.One of the most compelling reasons to go solar is its positive impact on the environment. By choosing solar energy, consumers can reduce their reliance on non-renewable and polluting sources of electricity. As stated by an unnamed source, "Your choice to go solar is not only...
How Long Does Solar Panels Last? Lifespan of Solar Panels
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 19, 2024
According to industry statistics, the average lifespan of a solar panel is 25 to 30 years. Reputed manufacturers typically offer a 25-year warranty, but even after that period, solar panels continue to function, albeit with reduced efficiency and power output.The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a meta-analysis on the degradation rates of solar panels and found that on average, solar panels have a degradation rate of 0.8%. This means that after 25 years, they can still perform at 87.5% of their original capacity. Some modern solar panels even have...
Duke Energy Florida Offers Free Energy Makeovers for Income-Eligible Residents in Seminole County
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 19, 2024
In an effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy bills for income-eligible residents, Duke Energy Florida is launching its Neighborhood Energy Saver program in Altamonte Springs. This program provides free energy makeovers for qualifying homeowners and renters in the community.Through the Neighborhood Energy Saver program, Duke Energy Florida will assess each home to determine if it qualifies for free attic insulation, duct sealing, and other energy-saving improvements. The program is available to residential customers identified by Duke Energy based on federal...
Proposed Electric School Bus Pilot Program Aimed to Help Maryland Achieve Climate Goals and Help Public Schools Meet Transportation Needs
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 18, 2024
Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has submitted a proposal to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) for a five-year Electric School Bus Pilot Program. The program aims to assist the state in achieving its climate goals and help public schools meet their transportation needs. The pilot program aligns with Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which mandates that all new school buses contracted or purchased by public school systems in the state be zero emissions.Don McGettigan, the acting President of FirstEnergy's Maryland Operations,...
Duke Energy Florida Donates $50,000 to St. Petersburg College for Scholarships
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 18, 2024
Duke Energy Florida has announced a generous donation of $50,000 to St. Petersburg College's Promise Scholarship program. This donation will provide graduating high school students from eight Pinellas County high schools with the opportunity to attend St. Petersburg College (SPC) at no cost to them.Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, expressed the company's commitment to uplifting the communities they serve, stating, "We are proud to support this scholarship opportunity that we believe will have a lasting impact on tomorrow's workforce as well as...