Ohio Energy Reporter

Latest News


FirstEnergy names Nikhil Rao associate general counsel

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has promoted Nikhil Rao to the role of Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Labor & Employment, effective June 16.


FirstEnergy names Stephen Avila as new vice president of customer care

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has appointed Stephen Avila as Vice President of Customer Care, effective June 3. Avila will spearhead efforts to leverage innovative technologies and data analysis to enhance the customer experience. He will oversee key functional groups managing customer accounts, payments, care, self-service options, and innovation in all aspects of FirstEnergy's customer relationships. Avila will report to Michelle Henry, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience.


New Jersey residents urged to seek utility bill aid during awareness week

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., is collaborating with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to promote Utility Assistance Awareness Week, running from June 10-14.


Balderson leads bipartisan push against EPA's new power plant regulations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.


Columbia Gas honors employees with Volunteer of the Year awards

Columbia Gas of Ohio has recognized its 2023 Volunteers of the Year, highlighting employees who contribute to their communities beyond their professional duties. The award recipients include Ironton Field Operations Leader Glen Dale Chapman, Columbus Executive Administrative Assistant Jayne Metcalf, and the team involved in LifeCare Alliance’s Meals-on-Wheels initiative.


FirstEnergy appoints new executives to lead state electric companies

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.