FirstEnergy Electric Crews Mobilize to Assist with Anticipated Power Restoration Efforts in North Carolina and Georgia Following Hurricane Helene

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has dispatched approximately 200 line workers and support personnel to assist Duke Energy Carolinas and Georgia Power with anticipated power restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene. Crews from FirstEnergy's electric companies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and West Virginia are part of this mutual assistance effort. The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday evening, bringing extreme weather conditions to the region.

Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting large-scale power restoration efforts. FirstEnergy is a member of multiple electric utility mutual-assistance groups and has been honored multiple times by the Edison Electric Institute for its emergency assistance during storms.

Positive

• Demonstrates FirstEnergy's commitment to mutual assistance and industry cooperation
• Potential for positive public relations and industry recognition
• Showcases the company's expertise in large-scale power restoration efforts

Negative

• Temporary reduction in workforce availability for FirstEnergy's own service areas
• Potential costs associated with sending crews to assist in other regions

AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its long-standing tradition of assisting other electric companies during large-scale power outages, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric companies have sent approximately 200 line workers and support personnel to assist Duke Energy Carolinas and Georgia Power with anticipated power restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene. Crews began leaving Wednesday morning for North Carolina and Georgia, with all expected to arrive by early Saturday.

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday evening, bringing extreme winds, storm surge and flash flooding along the entire west coast of the Florida Peninsula and Florida's Big Bend region. Tropical storm warnings cover almost all of Florida and Georgia not covered by hurricane warnings as well as all of South Carolina and much of western North Carolina. FirstEnergy personnel will be deployed to the most damaged areas when it's safe to do so after the storm moves through.

FirstEnergy electric companies in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia are part of the mutual assistance effort, which includes crews from Penn Power, Penelec, West Penn Power and Met-Ed in Pennsylvania; Mon Power in West Virginia; Potomac Edison in West Virginia and Maryland; and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) in New Jersey.

Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities: "FirstEnergy employees are committed to supporting the anticipated large-scale power restoration efforts along the U.S. southeast coast. Aiding communities in rebuilding their power grids after severe weather events is where their expertise shines. Although Hurricane Helene is not projected to significantly impact any FirstEnergy service territories, we have thoroughly evaluated the conditions and have the necessary personnel in place to support consistent operations for our customers."

FirstEnergy is a member of multiple electric utility mutual-assistance groups that work cooperatively to restore service to customers when a natural disaster causes large-scale power outages. Mutual assistance allows utilities to pool their resources to help restore power to customers faster. FirstEnergy and its employees have been honored more than a dozen times by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) with its "Emergency Assistance Award" for the mutual assistance the company has provided during winter and summer storms.

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 firstenergycorp.com. Follow FirstEnergy on X: @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

How many FirstEnergy (FE) workers are being sent to assist with Hurricane Helene restoration efforts?

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has sent approximately 200 line workers and support personnel to assist with power restoration efforts in North Carolina and Georgia following Hurricane Helene.

When is Hurricane Helene expected to make landfall according to FirstEnergy's (FE) press release?

According to the press release, Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida on Thursday evening, September 26, 2024.

Which FirstEnergy (FE) subsidiaries are participating in the Hurricane Helene restoration efforts?

FirstEnergy subsidiaries participating include Penn Power, Penelec, West Penn Power, Met-Ed, Mon Power, Potomac Edison, and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey.

What recognition has FirstEnergy (FE) received for its mutual assistance efforts in the past?

FirstEnergy and its employees have been honored more than a dozen times by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) with its 'Emergency Assistance Award' for mutual assistance provided during winter and summer storms.