Company offers tips for customers to manage
seasonal heating bills
WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Dec. 4, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- With colder months expected to produce higher
electric use, Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE)
electric company, has completed inspections and maintenance across
its Maryland service area to help
support electric system reliability as temperatures drop this
winter.
Don McGettigan, FirstEnergy's
Acting President, Maryland: "Ensuring our system is
well-prepared for the challenges of winter weather is crucial.
These proactive steps will help us provide safe and reliable power
to keep our customers comfortable in the coming months as they rely
on electricity to stay warm."
Potomac Edison personnel inspected substation equipment and
winterized substation control buildings to ensure that essential
components of its system continue to function properly during cold
weather.
Electricians also inspected critical components using special
thermovision cameras, which capture infrared images that can reveal
potential problems that aren't visible through regular visual
inspections. The infrared technology can identify equipment issues
such as loose connections and corrosion, and workers are able to
make repairs to prevent potential power outages in the future.
Utility poles also were inspected to ensure their stability
heading into the winter months.
Tree trimming throughout the year is another activity that
supports winter operations by maintaining proper clearances around
electrical systems and helping protect against tree-related outages
caused by heavy, wet snow along with high winds and ice. Potomac
Edison tree contractors expect to complete trimming along
approximately 1,800 miles of power lines in Maryland by the end of this year.
FirstEnergy explains a new vegetation management tool and
how it's being used across the company's footprint in a video clip
on the company's YouTube channel.
Additionally, company bucket trucks and other vehicles were
inspected to help ensure safe operation during the winter season.
The condition of tires and air braking systems, which can freeze up
if moisture is present, were carefully examined. In addition, the
company ensures snow removal equipment is on hand so employees can
safely access work sites and company facilities.
Customers can review tips to prepare in advance for severe
weather, and view restoration updates if storms do cause power
outages, by visiting FirstEnergy's 24/7 Power Center
at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
Cold Weather Tips for Customers:
With the winter storm season also comes frigid temperatures and
rising energy costs. Customers can take steps to keep their homes
comfortable while managing their electricity bill this cold season.
The following tips can help customers use electricity wisely during
this period of high demand:
- Seal any leaks around windows and door frames with caulk or
weather stripping to prevent cold air from sneaking into your
home.
- Close the fireplace damper when it is not in use to keep cold
air out.
- Close the drapes at night. During the day, only open those that
receive direct sunlight.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to keep temperatures
lower when no one is home and to increase the temperature before
arrival back home.
- Check furnace fan filters. Clogged filters waste energy and
money by forcing a heating system to work harder than
necessary.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated. If you have less
than six inches of insulation, you'll benefit by adding more.
- Payment arrangements and assistance programs are available for
customers who need help with their electric bills. For more
information, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist.
Potomac Edison serves about 285,000 customers in all or parts of
Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties in Maryland. Follow Potomac Edison at
potomacedison.com, on X @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at
facebook.com/PotomacEdison.
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 approximately 24,000 miles of transmission
lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow
FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on X
@FirstEnergyCorp.
Editor's Note: Photos of workers conducting inspections
to enhance service reliability for FirstEnergy's customers are
available for download on Flickr. Videos of company personnel
conducting a thermovision inspection can be found on the
company's YouTube channel.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
