ERIE,
Pa., Nov. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With winter
weather right around the corner, Penelec, a subsidiary of
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is completing equipment inspections
and maintenance to help keep power flowing to customers to keep
them safe and comfortable during the chilly months ahead.
"Our winter preparations focus on readying our electric
distribution and transmission systems to safely deliver electricity
to our customers when they need it most to stay warm," said
Scott Wyman, president of
FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania Operations. "By working proactively to
safeguard our power infrastructure and prepare our utility vehicles
and personnel, we will be better positioned to respond to the
challenges presented by freezing temperatures, windstorms and
snowstorms."
Substation electricians inspect critical components using
"thermovision" cameras, which capture infrared images of equipment
to detect potential problems that are not visible during regular
visual inspections. The infrared images show heat on a color scale,
with brighter colors or "hot spots" indicating loose connections,
corrosion or other problems that require repairs. Utility workers
can then proactively repair substation equipment to help prevent
power outages as customers crank up their heaters to combat the
cold.
Some larger substations have buildings that house
remote-controlled equipment that must be in a climate-controlled
environment to function properly. Crews winterize those control
buildings and ensure their heating systems are ready for the
season.
Helicopter inspections are being completed on approximately
2,500 miles of transmission lines located in the Penelec footprint.
The inspections are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross
arms and other hardware problems invisible from the ground.
Potential reliability issues identified during the inspection may
then be addressed.
Tree trimming throughout the year also helps meet the rigors of
winter operations by maintaining proper clearances around
electrical systems and helping to protect against tree-related
outages caused by heavy, wet snow, high winds and ice. Penelec tree
contractors have trimmed about 3,800 miles of electric lines this
year and are on track to complete more than 4,300 total miles of
trimming by the end of 2022.
Additionally, bucket trucks and other vehicles are inspected to
ensure they are safe and able to function in freezing temperatures.
Special emphasis is placed on the condition of tires and air
brakes, which can freeze up if moisture is present. Snow removal
equipment is also checked to ensure that crews are able to access
substations and that work areas and sidewalks at company facilities
are clear and safe.
Earlier this year, Penelec conducted its annual tabletop storm
drill as another way to help ensure reliable electric service for
customers. The drill is designed to prepare employees assigned to
storm restoration duties and review restoration processes and
storm-management tools critical to safely and quickly getting the
lights back on after damage caused by severe weather.
Customers can review tips to prepare in advance of severe
weather, and view restoration updates if storms do cause power
outages, by visiting FirstEnergy's 24/7 Power Center
at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
With the winter storm season also comes frigid temperatures and
rising energy costs. Customers can take steps to keep their homes
comfortable while managing their electricity bill this cold season.
The following tips can help customers use electricity wisely during
this period of high demand:
- Set thermostats as low as comfort will allow. Every degree a
customer can decrease the temperature in their home will result in
using about 3 percent less energy during the winter.
- Seal any leaks around windows and door frames with caulk or
weather stripping to prevent cold air from sneaking into your
home.
- Close the fireplace damper when it is not in use to keep cold
air out.
- Close the drapes at night. During the day, only open those that
receive direct sunlight.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to keep temperatures
lower when no one is home and to increase the temperature before
arrival back home.
- Check furnace fan filters. Clogged filters waste energy and
money by forcing a heating system to work harder than
necessary.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. If you have less
than six inches of insulation, you'll benefit by adding more.
- Payment arrangements and assistance programs are available for
customers who need help with their electric bills. For more
information, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist.
Penelec serves approximately 585,000 customers within 17,600
square miles of northern and central Pennsylvania. Follow Penelec on Twitter
@Penelec and on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/PenelecElectric.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and
operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form
one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems,
serving customers in Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West
Virginia, Maryland and
New York. The company's
transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,500 miles of
transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at
www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy on Twitter
@FirstEnergyCorp.
Editor's Note: Photos of workers conducting
inspections to enhance service reliability for Penelec customers
are available for download on Flickr. A video of utility personnel
conducting a thermovision inspection and explaining the work can be
found on the company's YouTube channel.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.