Companies offer tips on how to use
electricity wisely this season
AKRON,
Ohio, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy
Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) distribution and transmission system is prepared
to meet the anticipated increase in customer electricity usage
associated with summer's first heat wave expected to spread across
the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions beginning early next week.
Wade Smith, President of
FirstEnergy's Utilities: "Our comprehensive system inspections
and maintenance programs help ensure system reliability when
temperatures climb to 90+ degrees and customers depend on us to
stay comfortable. From western Ohio to the New
Jersey shore, our electric system is designed and maintained
to operate safely and effectively even in extreme weather
conditions. Customers can take steps to beat the heat while
also managing their electricity bill this summer."
The following tips can help customers use electricity
wisely during this period of high demand:
- Set thermostats as high as comfort will
allow.
- Use fans – moving air cools skin faster, resulting in
greater comfort on hot days.
- During sunny weather, close drapes or blinds on windows
facing the sun to prevent direct radiant heating from impacting
interior temperatures.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to keep
temperatures higher when no one is home and to reduce the
temperature before arrival back home.
- Seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping to prevent
hot air from sneaking into your home.
- Check air conditioner and furnace fan filters. Clogged
filters waste energy and money by forcing HVAC systems to work
harder than necessary.
- Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest
hours of the day. The less heat produced at home, the less work the
air conditioner must do.
- Payment arrangements and assistance programs are
available for customers who need help with their electric bills.
For more information,
visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist.
In preparation for the hot summer months, proactive
equipment inspections included using thermovision cameras to
capture infrared images of electrical equipment, helping detect
potential problems within substations and on power lines that
cannot be observed during regular visual inspections. The infrared
technology shows heat on a color scale, with brighter 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 make repairs
to prevent potential power outages in the future. Helicopter
patrols were also used to inspect FirstEnergy transmission lines
before the high-demand summer season.
In addition to proactive maintenance and inspections,
FirstEnergy's electric companies are reviewing staffing levels and
hot weather operational procedures to ensure any localized power
outages caused by excessive heat are handled promptly. The
companies will also delay any non-critical, planned outage work
scheduled for next week in areas with extreme heat.
Company employees are also receiving briefings about what steps
they can take to stay safe when the heat index rises due to the hot
and humid conditions. Proper hydration, enhanced situational
awareness, adjusting work schedules and paying close attention to
the condition of fellow employees on the job site are some of the
steps that are taken to prevent heat exhaustion or other
heat-related illnesses.
Follow FirstEnergy and its electric
companies on Twitter and Facebook for tips and
resources to beat the heat safely and responsibly.
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 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 Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.