Residents who experience a power outage during severe weather should contact First Energy by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report the outage or click the "Report Outage" link at www.firstenergycorp.com. First Energy encourages customers to stay far away from downed or low-hanging power lines. The company also advises individuals to always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous and to report them ASAP by calling 911.
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.
FirstEnergy encourages customers to plan ahead for the possibility of electric service interruptions from winter weather by following these tips:
Mobile phones can be charged in your vehicle using a car charger when the power is out. If you have a smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources.
Generators: Emergency power generators offer an option for customers needing or wanting uninterrupted service. However, to ensure the safety of the home's occupants as well as that of utility company employees who may be working on power lines in the area, the proper generator should be selected and installed by a qualified electrician. When operating a generator, the power coming into the home should always be disconnected. Otherwise, power from the generator could be sent back onto the utility lines, creating a hazardous situation for utility workers.
FirstEnergy customers can subscribe to email and text message alert notifications for updates on scheduled or extended power outages. Customers can also use two-way text messaging to report outages, request updates on restoration efforts, and make other inquiries about their electric accounts. More information about these communications tools is available online at www.firstenergycorp.com/connect.