Latest News
Spring Into Savings with These Energy Efficiency Tips
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 27, 2024
Springtime is here, and as people embark on their annual spring cleaning routines, it's essential to consider energy-saving practices that can benefit both the environment and their wallets.According to an energy efficiency checklist provided by an unnamed source, one of the key tips for saving energy and money this season is to regularly change filters in various household appliances. The source emphasizes the importance of changing HVAC system filters every three months to ensure optimal efficiency, stating, "Dirty air filters limit air flow and force your system to...
A Letter from Ohio's 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Council Representative
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 26, 2024
Ohio's 2023-2024 Youth Leadership Council Representative recently shared their experiences and reflections on their time serving in the council. The representative expressed gratitude towards electric cooperatives for their commitment to community welfare, stating, "My exposure to electric cooperatives demonstrated how they are not merely just an electric company that sends out a cool magazine. They are organizations which are concerned about their members and work to make their communities better."Reflecting on their participation in the Youth Tour and the NRECA Youth...
FirstEnergy Credits Smart Grid Technology for Rapid Response After East Palestine Train Derailment
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 26, 2024
On February 3, 2023, FirstEnergy faced a challenging situation when emergency crews in East Palestine, Ohio, required the de-energization of power lines near a hazardous train derailment site. Thanks to the implementation of smart grid technology, the electric company was able to respond swiftly and effectively to the crisis, preventing further complications and ensuring customer safety.Reflecting on the incident, John Shuman, an engineer at FirstEnergy, highlighted the significance of the automated equipment in managing the emergency without risking the safety of line...
FirstEnergy Completes $3.5 Billion Sale of Interest in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 25, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) announced the closure of a significant deal on March 25, 2024, involving the sale of a 30% ownership stake in its subsidiary, FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC (FET), for $3.5 billion. The transaction saw Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners (Brookfield) as the purchaser, with $2.3 billion in cash proceeds received by FirstEnergy at closing.In a statement, FirstEnergy's President and CEO, Brian X. Tierney, expressed satisfaction with the transaction, highlighting the company's strategic direction: "With the successful completion of this...
How Much Energy Does Your Electric Oven Use, And Could You Power it With Solar?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 22, 2024
Electric ovens, a staple in many homes for cooking and baking, vary in wattage depending on size and features. According to the article, "home electric ovens range between 2,000 and 5,000 watts," with larger or more advanced models requiring more power. To determine your oven's wattage, the article suggests checking inside the oven door or in the owner's manual.The energy consumption of an electric oven is influenced by factors such as size, age, frequency of use, cooking duration, and temperature. Older or inefficient ovens may require more electricity to operate. To...
Installation of Nearly 60 EV Charging Stations Strengthens Maryland's Public Charging Network
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 21, 2024
Maryland's public charging network received a significant boost with the recent installation of 59 public charging stations, including 20 fast-charging stations, thanks to Potomac Edison’s EV Driven pilot program. The initiative, approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2019, aims to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible and support environmental goals.Lindsey Wilkinson, FirstEnergy’s Director of Emerging Technology Program, highlighted the convenience and reliability of the charging stations, stating, “Not only are our charging stations...
FirstEnergy Recognized as Top 50 Diversity Employer by Minority EngineerTM Magazine
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 20, 2024
For the second consecutive year, FirstEnergy Corp. has been recognized as a Top 50 Diversity Employer by Minority EngineerTM magazine. The accolade is based on a survey of Minority Engineer readers, with Karen Sealy, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at FirstEnergy, expressing gratitude for the recognition. Sealy emphasized the company's commitment to diversity, stating, "A strong diversity, equity and inclusion program is about more than just talking the talk. At FirstEnergy, it is a core value that truly shapes the way we do business and engage with each other."...
FirstEnergy Corp. Increases Common Stock Dividend to $0.425 Per Share
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 20, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. announced an increase in its common stock dividend to $0.425 per share, representing an annual rate of $1.70 per share pending Board approval. The Board of Directors declared the quarterly dividend to be paid on June 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of May 7, 2024."We're pleased to announce this enhanced dividend payout to investors, which reflects our confidence in our strategies and our success in strengthening our financial position," said Brian X. Tierney, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to increase our dividend in line with...
Construction is Underway on Second Utility-Grade Solar Site in West Virginia
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 19, 2024
Construction is in progress for the second utility-grade solar site in West Virginia, as FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison have initiated the development of the Rivesville solar site in Marion County. The project aims to contribute to the state's energy needs while fostering economic growth.Jim Myers, President of FirstEnergy's West Virginia Operations, expressed pride in the transformation of a former coal ash disposal site into a clean renewable energy source. Myers highlighted the significance of renewable energy in driving economic...
Need Help Paying Your Energy Bills? JCP&L is Here to Help
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 19, 2024
JCP&L is reaching out to customers who may need assistance in paying their energy bills. According to a company statement, "there are programs that may be able to help you budget your monthly payments, pay seasonal energy bills, catch up on past-due payments or avoid service disconnection."Several assistance programs are available for qualifying customers, including the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program, the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program, NJ SHARES, Lifeline Utility Assistance, and the...
Solar Eclipse 2024: Anticipation Grows in Ohio as Rare Celestial Event Approaches
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 18, 2024
On April 8th, 2024, Ohioans are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event – a solar eclipse! The last total solar eclipse in Ohio occurred over 200 years ago in 1806, making this upcoming event on April 8th a truly special occurrence.During the solar eclipse, a 124-mile strip of land in Ohio will be completely covered in shadow for a few minutes, with other areas experiencing partial shadow as the moon partially obscures the sun. Speaking about the impact on solar arrays during the eclipse, it is noted, "Your solar array will not have any sunlight to absorb during the...
FirstEnergy's Impactful Recycling Initiatives Highlighted on Global Recycling Day
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 18, 2024
FirstEnergy Corp. celebrated Global Recycling Day on March 18 by showcasing the significant impact of its recycling initiatives, which have led to the recycling of over 7,000 tons of materials in recent years. Dave Frederick, Director of Environmental at FirstEnergy, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our recycling achievements underscore our dedication to minimizing our environmental footprint and contributing positively to the communities we serve.”One of FirstEnergy's key initiatives is the Wood Pole Diversion Program, which diverts worn...
Electric Grid Upgrades Underway in Lorain County
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 14, 2024
American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is currently undertaking a project in Lorain County, Ohio, to enhance the regional transmission system and minimize power outages for Ohio Edison customers. The initiative involves replacing over 900 insulator assemblies along two high-voltage power lines in the area.FirstEnergy's Vice President of Transmission, Carl Bridenbaugh, emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "By installing new, upgraded equipment along these transmission lines, we can help prevent potential power outages...
Daylight Saving Time Started on March 10th, Will it Become Permanent in Ohio?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 13, 2024
The state of Ohio recently made a significant move towards potentially adopting permanent Daylight Saving Time (DST) with the passing of a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill aims to switch Ohio to observe Daylight Saving Time permanently, following in the footsteps of 19 other states in the United States that have already passed similar legislation.According to State Rep. Rodney Creech, one of the proponents of the bill, the transition to permanent DST could have positive effects on mental health by increasing the hours of sunlight in the evenings...
Incentivizing Young Readers to ‘Quack Open a Book and Read’
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 12, 2024
In a bid to promote literacy and inspire young readers, the "Quack Open a Book & Read" program was recently introduced to elementary students across northeast Ohio. The initiative, spearheaded by the Akron RubberDucks baseball team and sponsored by FirstEnergy, aims to encourage children to cultivate a love for reading by incentivizing them with exciting rewards.Katherine Dove, a second-grade teacher at Tallmadge Elementary School, emphasized the importance of involving families in the reading process. She stated, “Parents are the first and most influential teachers in a...
Are Solar Panels a Wise Investment in 2024?
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 7, 2024
Solar panels offer significant cost savings, with the federal government supporting renewable energy adoption through tax incentives. Homeowners installing solar panel systems can benefit from the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), as explained by the bill. Additionally, many states offer additional incentives such as state tax credits, rebates, and grants, further reducing the out-of-pocket costs of solar installations. Net metering policies also allow homeowners to sell excess energy back to the grid, providing additional savings over the long term.Investing in solar energy...
Duke Energy’s Florida Lineman’s Rodeo Qualifies 15 Local Lineworkers to Compete in International Event
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 5, 2024
At a recent competition, 15 Duke Energy Florida lineworkers secured spots to compete at the International Lineman's Rodeo, showcasing their talents among the world's top lineworkers. Barry Anderson, Duke Energy Florida senior vice president of customer delivery, emphasized the importance of these competitions in maintaining safety and service standards for customers."I got into line work just because of my love of the outdoors, helping people and turning the lights on," said Eric Polous, a Duke Energy Florida lineworker. Polous expressed excitement about the upcoming...
YellowLite Offers Exclusive Tesla Powerwall 3 Installation Services in Ohio
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 29, 2024
YellowLite, the exclusive local certified installer in Ohio, is now offering the latest Tesla Powerwall 3 for purchase and installation. The Powerwall 3 is designed to seamlessly integrate with solar systems, providing an efficient and sustainable energy solution for homes in Ohio.According to YellowLite, the Powerwall 3 is a versatile energy storage system that can meet the varying needs of homeowners. As stated by YellowLite, "You can also do future expansion in Powerwall 3 if your energy needs increase in the future." However, it is important to note that the Powerwall...
Energy Highlights – Black Changemakers Through the Centuries
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 28, 2024
On February 28, 2024, FirstEnergy showcased the contributions of remarkable black Americans in shaping the energy landscape throughout history. From inventors to entrepreneurs and advocates, individuals like Lewis Howard Latimer, Hazel O’Leary, and Jessica Matthews have left a lasting impact on the energy sector.FirstEnergy's President and CEO, Brian Tierney, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in driving positive change, stating, "When we're making important decisions for our company and customers, it's important that we listen to a broad range of voices,...
# Duke Energy Supports First Responders in South Carolina with $500,000 in Grant Opportunities
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Feb 27, 2024
Duke Energy Foundation is offering $500,000 in grant opportunities for emergency preparedness in South Carolina, aimed at supporting first responders and organizations in enhancing their resiliency to major weather events. The grants will cover training, life-saving equipment, and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations.Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina state president, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “These grants will help provide our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother...