January 11, 2019

FirstEnergy has earned recognition for its emergency response efforts from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) for the 13^th consecutive year. The company received the “Emergency Recovery Award” for efforts to restore service to nearly 470,000 of our customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey following severe thunderstorms in May 2018.

The storms brought nearly 36 hours of sustained high winds with gusts exceeding 60 mph, along with damaging tornadoes and 100 mph straight-line winds. Nearly 6,000 line workers, hazard responders, damage assessors and other support staff from FirstEnergy and assisting utilities worked together to replace more than 400 utility poles, 300 transformers, four transmission towers and approximately 23 miles of wire.

“The EEI award is a special honor for the men and women who work around the clock in trying conditions to restore power when severe weather impacts our customers,” said Sam Belcher, FirstEnergy Utilities president.  “I’m very proud of our crews, who teamed to complete repairs safely and efficiently despite extra challenges created by the widespread and rural nature of the areas damaged by these storms.”

EEI presents awards twice annually to member companies to recognize extraordinary efforts to restore power or for assisting other electric companies after service disruptions caused by weather conditions and other natural events.  Winners are chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process.

“The dedication of FirstEnergy’s crews to restoring service throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey after a series of thunderstorms illustrates our industry’s commitment to customers,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “FirstEnergy’s crews worked tirelessly in hazardous conditions to quickly and safely restore power. They are truly deserving of this award.”