Travel Safely on Ohio's Lakeshore Roads During Mayfly Season

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is implementing a proactive safety measure by temporarily suspending streetlight service in several Lake Erie communities during mayfly season. The initiative, affecting Port Clinton, Marblehead, and Erie Township, aims to prevent hazardous driving conditions caused by mayfly swarms attracted to streetlights. The seasonal suspension will begin in preparation for the mayfly emergence in late June and continue until September.

Mayflies, which emerge from Lake Erie's mud and live only 24-72 hours, can create dangerous road conditions due to the oily residue their carcasses leave behind. Ohio Edison, serving over 1 million customers across 34 Ohio counties, will resume streetlight service once the hatching season ends. The company advises pedestrians and cyclists to take extra precautions when traveling along affected roads, including wearing bright clothing and using sidewalks.

Positive

• Proactive safety measure to prevent hazardous road conditions
• Temporary solution that addresses a specific seasonal problem
• Demonstrates company's commitment to public safety

Negative

• None.

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Ohio Edison to suspend streetlight service in some areas to deter flies from gathering

AKRON, Ohio, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As communities along Lake Erie brace for the mass arrival of mayflies this summer, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is proactively working with local municipalities to keep lakeshore roads safe. Since mayflies are attracted to light, temporarily turning off streetlights can help deter swarms of insects and prevent hazardous driving conditions.

The annual emergence of the mayflies typically comes in late June and can last until September. In preparation for their arrival, Ohio Edison will begin to suspend streetlight service along several roads in Port Clinton, Marblehead and Erie Township for several weeks. The company will resume streetlight service once the hatching season ends.

Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio: "Mayflies pose a significant safety concern due to the oily residue their carcasses leave behind, which can make road surfaces extremely slick, particularly during rain. By turning off streetlights near the lake over the next few months, we aim to deter thousands, if not millions, of mayflies from gathering, enhancing road safety for everyone."

Mayflies start their lives deep in the mud of Lake Erie and are especially sensitive to depleted oxygen levels. When the insects emerge from the water as adults, they live between 24 and 72 hours, which is why their hatching season is short.

"We understand the critical role our streetlight service plays in the communities we serve, and ensuring safety is our utmost priority," said Hinton. "We will resume streetlight service in the affected areas as soon as it is safe to do so."

Pedestrians and bikers are reminded to use extra caution when traveling along unlit roads this summer. They are urged to always use sidewalks and crosswalks and wear bright clothing or flashing devices to alert drivers of their presence. Drivers are reminded to reduce their speed in unlit areas and be on the lookout for people walking or biking in the area.

If a customer notices a streetlight or outdoor area light is out in their community unintentionally, they are encouraged to report it to Ohio Edison online at firstenergycorp.com/lightingproblem or by calling 1-800-633-4766.

Ohio Edison serves more than 1 million customers across 34 Ohio counties. Follow Ohio Edison on X @OhioEdison and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OhioEdison.

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 more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/travel-safely-on-ohios-lakeshore-roads-during-mayfly-season-302459394.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

Why is FirstEnergy (FE) turning off streetlights along Lake Erie?

FirstEnergy is turning off streetlights to deter mayflies from gathering in large swarms, as these insects are attracted to light. This measure prevents hazardous driving conditions caused by the oily residue their carcasses leave on roads.

How long will FirstEnergy's (FE) streetlight suspension last in 2025?

The streetlight suspension will begin before late June 2025 and last until September, covering the entire mayfly hatching season.

Which Ohio communities are affected by FirstEnergy's (FE) streetlight suspension?

The streetlight suspension affects Port Clinton, Marblehead, and Erie Township along Lake Erie.

What safety measures does FirstEnergy (FE) recommend during the streetlight suspension?

FirstEnergy recommends pedestrians and cyclists wear bright clothing or flashing devices, use sidewalks and crosswalks, and drivers should reduce speed in unlit areas.