Media Advisory: Tropical Storm Isaias Update

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is actively restoring power for Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers affected by Tropical Storm Isaias. Approximately 566,000 customers have had their service restored, with about 221,000 still without power. As of now, 85% of those affected are expected to have power restored by the end of the day. Efforts include the replacement of over 68,000 feet of wire and hundreds of poles. FirstEnergy continues to work closely with utility partners to expedite restoration efforts.

Positive

• Restoration of power to 566,000 out of 788,000 total customers impacted by the storm.
• Strong workforce of over 8,000 utility personnel actively working to restore service.
• Expectation that 85% of affected customers will have power restored by the end of the day.

Negative

• 221,000 customers remain without power as restoration efforts continue.
• Significant impact due to Tropical Storm Isaias affecting JCP&L operations.

AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) utilities continue restoration efforts for customers of Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) who lost power as a result of Tropical Storm Isaias. Service has been restored to approximately 566,000 JCP&L customers – more than 72% of the 788,000 customers impacted by the storm.

More than 8,000 utility personnel from JCP&L, other FirstEnergy companies, and partner utilities from electric industry mutual assistance organizations continue working around the clock to restore power to about 221,000 JCP&L customers who remain without power, which includes approximately 155,000 customers in the hardest hit areas of Morris, Monmouth and Union counties. Utility crews have replaced more than 68,000 feet of wire, hundreds of poles and crossarms, and worked through more than 360 closed roads to repair service.

Based on current outages and damage assessments, approximately 85% of affected customers are expected to be restored by the end of the day today. The majority of remaining customers in both the Northern and Central Regions are expected to be restored by Tuesday, August 11 at 11:30 p.m.

FirstEnergy continues to work closely with its utility companies and mutual assistance organizations to secure additional resources to assist with restoring all impacted customers.

More Information
During severe weather, customers who are without power are encouraged to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) to report their outage or click the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com. 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. Extra caution should be exercised in areas where downed wires may be tangled in downed tree branches or other debris.

To safeguard the health and safety of FirstEnergy employees, contractors and the public, please respect social distancing protocols as utility personnel work around the clock to restore all power outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias.

• Water and Ice Locations: Water and ice are available to customers without service due to yesterday's storm. For a list of locations, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/storminfo and click on "water and ice locations."
• Customer 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.

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.

Follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL, or online at www.jcp-l.com.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the current status of power restoration for FE customers affected by Tropical Storm Isaias?

As of now, power has been restored to approximately 566,000 out of 788,000 affected customers, with about 221,000 still without power.

When can customers expect full power restoration from FirstEnergy?

Approximately 85% of affected customers are expected to have power restored by the end of the day, with most remaining customers expected to be restored by Tuesday, August 11 at 11:30 p.m.

How many utility personnel are involved in the power restoration efforts for FE?

Over 8,000 utility personnel from JCP&L, FirstEnergy companies, and partner utilities are working to restore power.

What safety measures should customers take during the power restoration process?

Customers should report downed power lines immediately and respect social distancing protocols during the ongoing restoration efforts.