FirstEnergy Prepares for Summer Demand with Proactive Maintenance and Tree-Trim Efforts

MARYLAND News (6/27/2024) – In preparation for increased electricity demand and potential seasonal storms, FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiary Potomac Edison is intensifying efforts to ensure reliable power for its Maryland customers this summer. Comprehensive equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, and extensive tree-trimming work are underway across Potomac Edison’s service territory.

Don McGettigan, FirstEnergy’s Acting President, Maryland, emphasized the importance of these proactive measures, stating, “Proactive inspections and maintenance of our lines and equipment are vital to ensuring that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable power to our customers as temperatures rise this summer.”

This spring, Potomac Edison personnel inspected more than 200 substations and completed necessary repairs ahead of the summer season. Utilizing thermovision cameras, which capture infrared images, potential issues with equipment were identified. This technology allows for the detection of hot spots, enabling maintenance and repairs to be carried out before outages occur.

Further inspections were conducted along neighborhood power lines, with a focus on hundreds of line capacitors that maintain proper electric voltage. These devices are particularly beneficial in remote areas, as they automatically adjust voltage levels to adapt to changing system conditions.

To mitigate the impact of tree-related damage during severe weather, tree contractors are set to clear vegetation along nearly 1,800 miles of power lines in Maryland this year. So far, 750 miles have been cleared this spring. As part of FirstEnergy’s investment in vegetation management, trees are inspected and pruned to maintain safe clearances near electrical equipment while preserving the health of the trees. In cases where trees pose a danger or are diseased, they may be removed. This maintenance will also be carried out along hundreds of miles of high-voltage transmission power lines in Maryland.

With the advent of summer storms and rising temperatures, Potomac Edison has provided several tips to help customers manage their electric bills and stay cool:

• Use fans: Moving air cools skin faster, providing greater comfort on hot days.
• Close drapes or blinds: During sunny weather, closing drapes or blinds on windows facing the sun can prevent direct radiant heating from affecting indoor temperatures.
• Use a programmable thermostat: Smart thermostats can keep temperatures higher when no one is home and lower them before returning, conserving energy.
• Seal leaks: Caulking or weather stripping can prevent warm air from entering the home, reducing cooling costs.
• Check filters: Clean air conditioner and furnace fan filters to ensure HVAC systems operate efficiently.
• Limit heat-producing appliances: Avoid using appliances that generate heat during the hottest hours to reduce the load on air conditioners.

For customers needing assistance with their electric bills, payment arrangements and support programs are available. More information can be found at firstenergycorp.com/billassist.

Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers across several counties in Maryland and about 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Updates and information can be accessed via Potomac Edison’s website, as well as on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

FirstEnergy remains committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate around 24,000 miles of transmission lines, connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

For further updates and detailed information on Potomac Edison’s ongoing efforts to enhance service reliability, visit potomacedison.com.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors.