FirstEnergy and PJM Ask Customers to Conserve Electricity

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy alerts customers to conserve electricity due to extreme cold, predicting high electric demand today as temperatures plummet. The PJM Interconnection recommends energy-saving measures until 10 a.m. on December 25. Customers are advised to lower thermostats, turn off non-essential appliances, postpone using major electric appliances, and close curtains to retain warmth. The utility company warns of potential short, rotating outages if demand continues to rise. FirstEnergy serves multiple states and operates about 24,000 miles of transmission lines.

Positive

• FirstEnergy encourages conservation efforts, potentially avoiding severe outages.
• Collaborative engagement with PJM may bolster grid reliability during peak demand.

Negative

• Increased electric demand may pressure the grid, leading to potential outages.
• Extremely cold temperatures could strain resources and service reliability.

Guidance from grid operator predicts high electric demand today amid extreme cold

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the continuing frigid weather impacting FirstEnergy's service territory along with much of the country, PJM Interconnection, the electric grid operator for the region, is asking that customers take steps to conserve electricity through 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 25.

FirstEnergy offers the following tips to help conserve the use of electricity:

• If health permits, set thermostats at a lower temperature than usual.
• Turn off non-essential appliances, equipment and electric lights – including holiday lights – that you do not need or are not using.
• Postpone using major electric household appliances, such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers.
• Close curtains and blinds to retain warm air inside homes.

Demand for electricity is expected to increase through the day as the cold temperatures continue and families gather to celebrate the holiday. PJM will continue to monitor conditions and will take additional actions if necessary, which may include the potential for short, rotating customer outages. Taking action to conserve energy now can help offset the need for additional actions later.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, 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. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy and its operating companies on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp, @ToledoEdison, @IlluminatingCo, @OhioEdison, @MonPowerWV, @JCP_L, @Penn_Power, @Penelec, @Met_Ed, @PotomacEdison, @W_Penn_Power.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What measures is FirstEnergy recommending for electricity conservation on December 25?

FirstEnergy recommends lowering thermostats, turning off non-essential appliances, postponing major electric appliance use, and closing curtains.

How long does FirstEnergy expect high electric demand due to cold weather to last?

High electric demand is expected to persist until at least 10 a.m. on December 25.

What is the reason for electricity conservation requests from FirstEnergy?

The requests are due to extreme cold temperatures affecting the region, leading to increased demand for electricity.

What might happen if customers do not conserve electricity as requested?

Failure to conserve may lead to short, rotating outages to manage the grid's load.

Which states does FirstEnergy serve?

FirstEnergy serves customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.