FirstEnergy Restores 96% of 800,000 Outages, Mobilizes 10,400 Workers for 65 mph Storms
Since Friday, high winds knocked out service for over 800,000 customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland, with crews restoring power to more than 96% by replacing 600 broken poles, 225,000 feet of wire and 1,300 crossarms. FirstEnergy has mobilized 10,400 workers, staging crews for storms with gusts up to 65 mph.
1. Storm Impact and Outages
Since Friday, high winds in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland knocked out power for over 800,000 customers, with gusts up to 65 mph causing downed trees and broken utility poles across the service territory.
2. Restoration Progress
By Monday evening, crews restored power to more than 96% of affected customers, replacing 600 broken poles, laying 225,000 feet of wire and installing 1,300 pole crossarms and braces to rebuild damaged infrastructure.
3. Crew Mobilization and Preparedness
FirstEnergy has mobilized 10,400 workers, including 3,400 outside line and tree crews alongside hazard responders and support personnel, to maintain 24/7 restoration efforts and pre-stage resources ahead of two additional storms expected to bring heavy rain and isolated tornado threats.
4. Operational and Financial Considerations
These extensive repair efforts carry significant operational costs and could affect capital expenditure allocations, but swift restoration supports reliability metrics and may limit regulatory penalties tied to prolonged outages.