To help keep power flowing to customers during the cold winter months, FirstEnergy’s operating companies have been completing inspections and maintenance work to help enhance service reliability throughout our five-state territory.

FirstEnergy Utilities (FEU) inspects substation equipment and winterizes substation control buildings to ensure that essential components of its electrical power system continue to function properly during cold weather.

Substation electricians also inspect critical components through special thermovision cameras, which capture infrared images of electrical equipment that can detect potential problems that aren’t visible through regular visual inspections. The infrared technology shows heat on a color scale, with bright colors or “hot spots” indicating areas that could need repairs. These images can identify equipment issues such as loose connections, corrosion and load imbalances, and utility workers are able to proactively make repairs to prevent potential power outages.

Thermovision cameras capture infrared images of electrical equipment that can detect potential problems that aren’t visible through regular inspections.

Helicopter inspections along transmission lines are designed to look for damaged wire, broken cross arms and other hardware problems not visible from the ground. Any potential reliability issues identified during the inspection can be addressed. Crews also inspect utility poles to ensure their stability and integrity heading into the winter months.

Tree trimming throughout the year helps to meet the rigors of winter operations by maintaining proper clearances around electrical equipment and helping to protect against tree-related outages caused by heavy, wet snow, high winds and ice.

Additionally, company bucket trucks and other vehicles are inspected to help ensure safe operation – with a special focus on the condition of tires and air braking systems, which can freeze up if moisture is present. Snow removal equipment is readied for use in providing safe access to work sites and company facilities.

Batteries and other substation equipment are checked to ensure they function properly during cold weather.

With safety being a core value at FirstEnergy, field employees review cold-weather safety procedures, including how to traverse slippery conditions to avoid slips and falls. They are reminded to hydrate and take frequent breaks in warm trucks to avoid frostbite and maintain sharp mental focus. Special emphasis is placed on safe driving techniques in winter conditions.

Beyond infrastructure maintenance, FEU employees also participated in readiness exercises and drills throughout the year to test the company’s restoration process used to address winter storm-related power outages.