AKRON,
Ohio, March 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Service has
been restored to approximately 293,000 of the more than 454,000
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) customers who lost power due to
powerful rain and wind storms that swept across the region on
Saturday.
Strong winds with gusts exceeding 60 mph in many places began
battering Ohio, western
Pennsylvania and West Virginia late yesterday morning. The
winds followed periods of significant rain totaling more than two
inches in some areas that began late in the week, saturating the
ground and increasing the probability for trees to fall from the
heavy winds. Parts of eastern Ohio
and western Pennsylvania also
experienced severe thunderstorms yesterday.
FirstEnergy began monitoring and preparing for the weather early
in the week. Nearly 2,000 line crews, hazard responders, forestry
contractors, and safety and other support personnel have been
involved in responding since the inclement weather hit, and
additional resources are being deployed today to assist the
restoration effort. Due to the extent of damage, restoration
activities are expected to continue into the work week.
Since the storm began, repairs have been made at hundreds of
locations, and crews are working to assess damage and restore
service to the customers who remain without power. Though downed
trees, localized flooding and road closures can slow progress,
crews will continue to work around the clock to safely make repairs
and ensure service to all customers has been restored.
Current company updates as of 12:30
p.m. today include:
- The Illuminating Company: Approximately 78,500 customers
in northeast Ohio lost power due
to the storm, and 42,300 customers remain without service. Service
is expected to be restored to the majority of customers by 4 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28.
- Ohio Edison: Approximately 152,900 customers in northern
and central Ohio lost power due to
the storm, and 90,700 remain without service. Expected restoration
times will be set later today as the damage is fully assessed.
- Penn Power: Approximately 54,900 customers in western
Pennsylvania lost power due to the
storm, and 37,700 remain without service. Service is expected to be
restored to the majority of customers by 11 p.m. Tuesday, March 28.
- Penelec: Approximately 52,400 customers in northern and
central Pennsylvania lost power
due to the storm, and 32,700 remain without service. Expected
restoration times will be set later today as the damage is fully
assessed.
- West Penn Power: Approximately 52,600 customers in
western Pennsylvania lost power
due to the storm, and 42,300 remain without service. The majority
of West Penn Power customers are expected to have service restored
by 11 p.m. on Monday, March 27.
Customers in the hardest hit area of Butler County are expected to have service
restored by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March
28.
- Mon Power: Approximately 46,500 customers in
West Virginia lost power due to
the storm, and 29,200 remain without service. The majority of
customers are expected to have power restored by 3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28.
How to Report Power Outages and Downed Lines
Customers who have experienced a service interruption due to the
storm are encouraged to report their outage if they have not
already done so by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting
OUT to LIGHTS (544487) or clicking the "Report Outage" link on
www.firstenergycorp.com.
FirstEnergy customers can sign up to receive email and text
message alert notifications for updates after they've reported a
power outage. Customers can also use two-way text messaging to
report outages, request updates on restoration efforts and make
other inquiries about their electric accounts. More information
about these communication tools is available at
www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.
The high winds have brought down trees and branches onto power
lines. Customers should assume all downed or low-hanging power
lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and
use extra caution where downed lines are tangled in trees or other
debris. Report downed lines ASAP by calling 911.
For updated information on the company's current outages, the
company's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe,
visit FirstEnergy's 24/7 Power Center at
www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
Operate Backup Generators Safely
Emergency power generators offer an option for customers needing
or wanting uninterrupted service. To ensure the safety of the
home's occupants as well as that of electric company employees who
may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator
should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician.
When operating a generator, the power coming into the home
should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator
could be sent back onto the power lines, creating a hazardous
situation for company workers. Locate the generator outside of your
home and far away from windows, doors and vents. Never locate a
generator inside your home.
View additional generator safety information.
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 24,000 miles of
transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and
follow FirstEnergy and its operating companies on Twitter:
@FirstEnergyCorp, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @OhioEdison,
@MonPowerWV, @JCP_L, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed,
@PotomacEdison, @W_Penn_Power.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.