FirstEnergy says crews are ready for winter storm, urges customers to take safety steps during extreme cold

FirstEnergy Corp. says its electric companies are prepared to respond to outages as a winter storm and bitter cold move across much of the country, and the utility is urging customers to take precautions to stay safe and manage energy use as temperatures drop across its service area through next week.

The company said crews are preparing for snow-related impacts that can damage equipment and slow travel. FirstEnergy noted that light, fluffy snow typically causes fewer problems because it is less likely to cling to tree branches and power lines, while heavier, wetter snow and ice can weigh down limbs and wires and increase the risk of outages. Snow-covered roads could also slightly extend restoration times in some areas, the company said.

To coordinate response efforts, FirstEnergy said it activated its around-the-clock incident command structure and is in contact with other utilities and outside contractors so additional crews can be deployed quickly if widespread damage occurs.

FirstEnergy said its winter readiness includes year-round tree trimming to reduce storm-related outages, routine aerial inspections to identify equipment or vegetation issues, inspections of key vehicles and equipment ahead of winter, and staffing reviews to ensure crews can respond quickly. The company also said it may postpone non-essential planned outages in areas expecting dangerously cold weather and coordinates with the regional grid operator and other utilities to help maintain grid reliability during extreme temperatures.

The utility also offered energy-saving and safety tips for customers during extreme cold, including keeping space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, not leaving heaters or electric blankets unattended, and using only indoor-rated heaters indoors. FirstEnergy advised customers to operate generators outdoors and away from windows and vents, and to prepare for potential outages by pre-charging phones and keeping flashlights and extra batteries on hand.

The company said customers looking for additional tools to manage energy use can visit firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy and those needing help with bills can find assistance programs at firstenergycorp.com/billassist.

If power goes out, FirstEnergy said outages can be reported by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to 544487, or using the “Outages” link at firstenergycorp.com. Customers can also sign up for outage text alerts by texting REG to 544487 and request updates by texting STAT to 544487, the company said.