FirstEnergy Utilities Prepare For Possible High Winds And Severe Storms

AKRON, Ohio, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With severe summer storms predicted across much of the Midwest tomorrow, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) utilities Ohio Edison, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), West Penn Power, Pennsylvania Power, Mon Power and Potomac Edison have started mobilizing employees and resources should the storm impact customers' electric service.

The high winds – forecast to be in excess of 60 mph in some regions – have the potential to cause significant damage to the electrical system.  All FirstEnergy utilities are on high alert and continue preparations to mobilize employees and resources, as needed, from throughout FirstEnergy's 10 utilities to assist in storm restoration activities in the hardest-hit areas.

For up-to-date information on the company's restoration efforts, current outages, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, go to www.firstenergycorp.com

During significant service interruptions, outage information is also available via the company's Twitter accounts.

Reporting an Outage

• If your lights go out, contact your local electric utility to report an outage by calling the automated reporting line at 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). 
• Immediately report downed wires to your electric company or local police or fire department.  Never go near a downed power line, even if you think it's no longer carrying electricity.
• Don't try to remove trees or tree limbs from power lines.  Wait for utility crews to arrive.

Safety Tips During Outages

• Keep flashlights and fresh batteries in your home.  Avoid using candles to light your home, especially around children and pets.
• Make sure you have fresh batteries in a portable radio so you can stay tuned to your local radio station for updates on our progress to restore power. 

Customer Generators

• Emergency power generators offer an option for customers needing or wanting uninterrupted service.  However, to ensure the safety of the home's occupants as well as that of utility company 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, always disconnect the power coming into your home.  Otherwise, power from your generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies comprise one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems.  Its diverse generating fleet features non-emitting nuclear, scrubbed baseload coal, natural gas, and pumped-storage hydro and other renewables, and has a total generating capacity of nearly 23,000 megawatts.

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