February 22, 2019

FirstEnergy Utilities (FEU) service and support personnel are prepared to respond to outages caused by a significant weather event that could affect our entire service territory this weekend.

Company meteorologists are monitoring an approaching cold front that will create a complex weather system expected to bring sustained high winds – accompanied by powerful gusts – thunderstorms and areas of accumulating snow.

“We are prepared for a potentially challenging weather weekend for us, system-wide,” said Sam Belcher, president, FEU. “In much of our six-state service area, the already wet ground could be saturated with heavy rains Saturday followed by high winds Sunday into Monday, a combination that can cause trees to be uprooted. Also, the heavy winds have the potential to make it unsafe for our workers to use bucket trucks or ladders to do overhead repair work, which could delay power restoration efforts.”

Our 10 electric operating companies are implementing storm response plans, which include arranging to bring in additional line, substation and forestry personnel. The company also has been in contact with contractors and mutual assistance organizations about the possibility of securing additional resources to assist with storm restoration efforts.

FirstEnergy’s 24/7 Power Center provides updated information on the company’s current outages.