Working 24/7 to Restore Power
August 9, 2024
| Reminder: Operate Backup Generators Safely
Emergency power generators offer an option for those needing or wanting uninterrupted service. To ensure the safety of your home’s occupants as well as that of our employees who may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, the power coming into the home should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator could be sent back onto the power lines, creating a hazardous situation for our workers. Locate the generator outside of your home and far away from windows, doors and vents. Never locate a generator inside your home. View additional generator safety information. |
Power has been restored to more than 230,000 of our approximately 578,000 customers who lost service Aug. 6 due to severe storms that swept across northeast Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
With help from more than 4,100 additional line workers and field personnel from contractors and mutual assistance organizations, our employees continue to work around the clock in 16-hour shifts to make repairs as quickly and safely as possible.
The powerful storm system brought strong winds exceeding 75 mph in parts of Ohio and western Pennsylvania, along with rainfall exceeding two inches in parts of eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Northeast Ohio was the hardest hit area, with more than 333,000 out across Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties.
The tree- and flood-related damage is widespread, causing hundreds of broken poles and crossarms, downed power lines, and fallen trees and debris blocking road access. Our primary focus at this stage is to remove any hazards and assess the damage so that crews can access the site of an outage and begin to safely make the repairs.
Due to the extent of damage, restoration work is expected to continue over the next few days, particularly in Ohio.
Customers should assume all downed or low-hanging power lines are energized and dangerous, stay at least 30 feet away and use extra caution where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. Downed lines should be reported ASAP by calling 911.
Employees, hazard responders, forestry crews, contractors, safety and other support personnel are involved in our storm response, and significant additional outside resources have been secured to assist with the restoration effort.
Though downed trees, localized flooding and road closures can slow progress, our crews will continue to work around the clock to safely make repairs and ensure service to all customers has been restored.
How to Report Power Outages and Downed Lines
Customers who have experienced a service interruption due to the storm are encouraged to report their outage if they have not already done so by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487) or clicking the “Outages” link on firstenergycorp.com.
FirstEnergy customers can sign up to receive email and text message alert notifications for updates after they’ve reported a power outage. Customers can also use two-way text messaging to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts and make other inquiries about their electric accounts. More information about these communication tools is available at firstenergycorp.com/connect.
For updated information on current outages, the company’s storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit FirstEnergy’s 24/7 Power Center at firstenergycorp.com/outages. To learn more about navigating the recently updated map, please visit bit.ly/FEoutagemapupdates.