08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 12:13
AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 8, 2024/PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric company personnel are prepared to respond to potential service interruptions caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, which is forecast to bring heavy rains and gusty winds to Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia beginning on Friday.
A video playlist of utility personnel discussing the impact of wind storms on equipment and restoration efforts is available on YouTube.
Company meteorologists have been tracking the storm for several days. The system is expected to bring the following conditions:
Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities: "The arrival of Debby's remnants on the heels of the heavy rains and severe weather earlier this week presents challenges for our crews. Soft, saturated ground makes it easier for trees to fall without strong wind gusts. While we invest in our electric system throughout the year to keep power flowing to customers in all weather conditions, this combination carries the potential for power outages. We are closely monitoring this system and remain committed to taking every necessary step to ensure safe and prompt restoration of electric service for our customers."
FirstEnergy's electric companies are implementing storm response plans, which include:
Safety is FirstEnergy's top priority. Sustained winds and heavy rain could slow restoration efforts, as crews cannot safely operate bucket trucks when wind speeds exceed 40 miles per hour. Saturated soil and flooding can also hinder access and create hazardous conditions for crews as they work to make repairs to lines and equipment damaged by fallen trees and branches.
After a major weather event, hundreds or even thousands of damage locations, including broken poles and downed power lines, are common. FirstEnergy personnel prioritize clearing hazards like downed power lines, trees and blocked roads to ensure public safety. Employees must also assess the damage to enable line crews to access outage sites and initiate safe repairs. The formal restoration process focuses on addressing widespread outages first, before tackling more isolated issues.
How to Report Power Outages and Downed Lines
Customers who experience a service interruption due to the storm are encouraged to report their outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487) or clicking the "Outages" link on 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 firstenergycorp.com/connect.
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 firstenergycorp.com/outages. To learn more about navigating the recently updated map, please visit bit.ly/FEoutagemapupdates.
Customers Encouraged to Prepare in Advance of the Storm
FirstEnergy encourages customers to plan for the possibility of power outages due to the impending storm by following these tips:
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 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 firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy and its operating companies on X, formerly known as Twitter, @FirstEnergyCorp, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @OhioEdison, @MonPowerWV, @JCP_L, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed, @PotomacEdison, @W_Penn_Power.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.