December 15, 2022

We’re once again holding our “Merry and Bright” customer holiday lights contest, and we’ve announced our first round of winners from last week in each operating company.

Chris Cole of Canfield is the winner of Ohio Edison’s holiday lights contest.

The magic of the holiday spirit is in full force on Cole’s front lawn. Surrounding a dozen of vibrant snowmen are hundreds of holiday lights, a massive multi-color tree, and cutouts of Charlie Brown and the gang.

Cole said he has fond holiday memories of childhood and loves brightening the season and inspiring his neighbors on the 4800 block of My Way in Canfield with his holiday decor.

It’s still possible for customers to throw their hat in the contest! To join, customers can send a photo or video of their display to their respective electric company’s Facebook page. Each week one entry from each of FirstEnergy’s 10 utility companies will be selected.

All winners will get a $100 Amazon gift card and have their display shared on Facebook.

The deadline to submit is Friday, December 16.

Other winners include:

Penn Power: Jo Ann Messett from Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. Her number one tip for others is to label the position of your lighting pieces so you can quickly put them back in place next year. She also recommends inspecting your lights when taking them down to make sure they are still in good shape for next year!

Illuminating Company: Candance Lunar of Willoughby. She says her community was the inspiration behind her holiday display. She loves dazzling the kids in her area with her amazing display because, in her heart, she’s a kid, too.

Toledo Edison: Mike Lemay of Fremont. Growing up, Mike’s grandmother celebrated the holidays with lighting displays every year, so Mike was inspired to continue the tradition himself as an adult. For others decking out their homes with amazing holiday lights, Mike recommends safely building the display at night so you can see the outcome of your lighting work clearly.

Penelec: Marci Montgomery of Franklin. Marci says her lighting display is inspired by her grandchildren and their love for the most wonderful time of the year.

West Penn Power: Jim Magda of Scottdale. Jim was inspired to adorn his home with a magical holiday display by fond memories of his parents decorating their home and taking him to visit other dazzling displays. He tries to start decorating his home early, typically putting up lights as early as Halloween.

Jersey Central Power & Light:. This year, Dana and Christopher Spoulos of Brick were aiming for something simple that reminded them of their childhood. Through their display, they are wishing happy holidays to all!

Mon Power: Kimberly and Ronnie Harris of Mannington have been spreading holiday cheer with amazing outdoor displays for more than 16 years – and they love to help friends, family members and neighbors do the same.

Potomac Edison: Robert Welch of Martinsburg, WV. Robert says his display is inspired by his Christian faith and hopes his lights promote positivity during dark times.

Met-Ed:  This is the ninth year that Lori Foust of Mechanicsburg has brightened her neighborhood with a drive-through holiday lights display. She says her drive-through show attracted 6,000 vehicles and raised more than $12,000 to benefit three charitable organizations last year.

The contest provides us an opportunity to remind our customers to decorate safely. Keep these three words in mind while decorating:

1. Stop. Stop what you’re doing to consider your personal safety before attempting to install lights or decorations around power lines or electrical equipment.
2. Look. Look around for potential hazards and ways you might encounter electrical equipment and identify a way to avoid the hazard.
3. Live. Prevent serious injury or death by taking precautions to avoid accidental contact with electrical equipment.

For more holiday safety tips, click here.