AKRON, Ohio, Jan. 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) utilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia are prepared for the significant snow, sub-zero temperatures and strong winds that are beginning to affect portions of the eastern United States.
As a result of the weather forecasts for New Jersey, which include the possibility of up to a foot of snow and a minus 10 degree wind-chill factor in some areas, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has begun implementing the company's storm preparation process, including staffing additional dispatchers and analysts at regional dispatch offices, placing additional line personnel on standby and bringing in additional forestry crews. In addition, contractors have been notified they could be required to assist with storm restoration efforts over the next several days.
For FirstEnergy's utilities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, personnel remain on standby and will be dispatched quickly to handle any service interruptions caused by snow accumulations, frigid temperatures, or high winds. These utilities include Pennsylvania Electric Company, Metropolitan Edison, West Penn Power, Potomac Edison and Mon Power.
If an outage occurs as a result of the severe weather, FirstEnergy utility customers should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com via smartphone. Customers should immediately report downed wires to their utility or their local police or fire department. Customers should never go near a downed power line, even if they think it is no longer carrying electricity.
For updated information on the company's current outages, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages. Customers can subscribe to receive text message alert notifications that contain information about weather conditions that may impact electrical service or updates on reported outages by texting REG to 544487 (LIGHTS). Text messaging may also be used to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts, and make other inquiries about customer electric accounts.
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 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. FirstEnergy and its operating companies on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @OhioEdison, @MonPowerWV, @JCP_L, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed, @PotomacEdison, @W_Penn_Power.
SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
