AKRON,
Ohio, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As frigid
weather grips the region, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric
companies remind customers of steps they can take to stay safe and
better manage energy bills that may climb due to the cold weather.
Based on current forecasts, all of FirstEnergy's six-state
footprint will be affected by the cold snap, with sub-zero
temperatures likely to arrive early next week and lasting several
days.
Company line workers will be ready to assist should the arctic
conditions cause any customers to lose power. A video playlist of
utility personnel discussing winter power restoration activities is
available on YouTube.
FirstEnergy takes a number of steps to prepare its system for
cold weather, including pre-winter inspections of key electrical
equipment. The companies are also reviewing staffing levels and
cold weather operational procedures to ensure any localized power
outages caused by the excessive cold are handled promptly and
delaying any non-critical, planned outage work scheduled for next
week in areas with extreme cold. FirstEnergy also continues to
engage in discussions with the regional grid operator and peers to
take any necessary proactive steps to ensure grid reliability
through these extreme temperatures.
Customers should review important winter safety information and
prepare in case weather-related outages do occur.
Safety Tips:
- Heating appliances, such as space heaters and electric
blankets, should never be left unattended or used while
sleeping.
- Never fold an electric blanket while it is in use. This can
damage wires inside of the blanket, causing it to overheat or
spark.
- Only use space heaters designed for indoor use. Keep all heat
sources at least three feet away from curtains, carpet or furniture
that could catch on fire.
- Never use a gas stove, charcoal grill or lantern intended for
outdoor use inside your home because it could lead to a buildup of
deadly carbon monoxide gas.
- If operating a portable generator during a power outage, place
it outside of your home and far away from windows, doors and vents.
Never use a generator inside your home!
- Keep electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops and
tablet computers, fully charged to be ready for an emergency.
- Have a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in
case a power outage occurs.
- Contact the local emergency management agency for a list of
warming centers and other cold weather support.
Energy Saving Tips:
- Dress for the weather. Wearing an extra layer or wrapping up in
a blanket while you're relaxing can help you feel more comfortable
without turning up the thermostat.
- Rotate ceiling fans clockwise at a low speed to force warm air
near the ceiling down. This can make your space feel warmer without
adjusting your home's temperature.
- Close the fireplace damper when it's not in use to keep cold
air out.
- Close the drapes at night. During the day, only open those that
receive direct sunlight.
- Turn off lights when you aren't using them. Change furnace
filters regularly to ensure your heating system is working
efficiently.
- Keep registers for supply or return air free of obstructions
like curtains or furniture.
- Seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping to prevent cold
air from sneaking into your home.
- Wrap exposed pipes in insulation or layers of newspaper. Avoid
frozen pipes by opening faucets and maintaining a constant
drip.
- Keep the overhead door of an attached garage closed to block
cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door between the house
and garage.
- Other FirstEnergy energy conservation tips are available
at firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy.
Electric Bill Payment Assistance:
Frigid temperatures can lead to increased electric bills.
FirstEnergy understands there are many reasons a customer may be
struggling to pay their electric bill and is here to help, offering
budget plans, special payment plans and access to energy assistance
programs. To apply or learn more about utility bill assistance
programs, customers are encouraged to visit
www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist.
Customer Communications Options:
If winter weather does cause an outage, customers who are
without power should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report
their outage or report online at
www.firstenergycorp.com/reportoutage.
FirstEnergy customers can subscribe to email and text message
alert notifications to receive updates after they've reported their
power outages. 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 communications tools is available online
at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.
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 six million 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. Follow
FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com. Follow
FirstEnergy on X: @FirstEnergyCorp.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.