Preparations Underway for Remnants of Tropical Storm Debby in FirstEnergy's Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia Service Territories
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is preparing for potential service interruptions due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, expected to impact Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia starting Friday. The storm is forecast to bring heavy rains of 1-3 inches, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches, and wind gusts of 25-35 mph, potentially reaching 40 mph in some regions. FirstEnergy is implementing storm response plans, including 16-hour shifts for personnel, deploying additional crews, and enacting flood mitigation measures. The company prioritizes safety and prompt restoration of electric service, focusing on widespread outages first. Customers are encouraged to report outages and prepare for potential power disruptions.
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) si sta preparando per potenziali interruzioni del servizio a causa dei residui della Tempesta Tropicale Debby, che si prevede impatterà Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania e Virginia Occidentale a partire da venerdì. La tempesta dovrebbe portare forti piogge di 1-3 pollici, con alcune aree che riceveranno fino a 5 pollici, e , che potrebbero raggiungere i 40 mph in alcune regioni. FirstEnergy sta attuando piani di risposta alle tempeste, inclusi turni di lavoro di 16 ore per il personale, il dispiegamento di ulteriori squadre e l'implementazione di misure di mitigazione delle inondazioni. L'azienda dà priorità a sicurezza e rapida ripristino del servizio elettrico, concentrandosi prima sui blackout diffusi. Si invita i clienti a segnalare le interruzioni e a prepararsi per potenziali disservizi.
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) se está preparando para posibles interrupciones del servicio debido a los remanentes de la Tormenta Tropical Debby, que se espera impacte Maryland, Nueva Jersey, Pennsylvania y Virginia Occidental a partir del viernes. Se pronostica que la tormenta traerá fuertes lluvias de 1-3 pulgadas, con algunas áreas recibiendo hasta 5 pulgadas, y rafagas de viento de 25-35 mph, alcanzando potencialmente hasta 40 mph en algunas regiones. FirstEnergy está implementando planes de respuesta a la tormenta, incluidos turnos de 16 horas para el personal, desplegando más equipos y ejecutando medidas de mitigación de inundaciones. La compañía prioriza la seguridad y la pronta restauración del servicio eléctrico, enfocándose primero en los cortes de energía generalizados. Se alienta a los clientes a informar sobre interrupciones y a prepararse para posibles interrupciones eléctricas.
퍼스트에너지 코프(증권 코드: FE)는 금요일부터 메릴랜드, 뉴저지, 펜실베이니아, 웨스트버지니아에 영향을 미칠 것으로 예상되는 열대 폭풍 데비의 잔여물로 인해 서비스 중단을 준비하고 있습니다. 이 폭풍은 1-3인치의 많은 비를 동반할 것으로 예보되며 일부 지역에는 최대 5인치가 내릴 수 있고, 25-35mph의 바람 강도가 있을 것으로 하며 일부 지역에서는 40mph에 이를 수 있습니다. 퍼스트에너지는 16시간 교대 근무를 위한 인력 배치, 추가 팀 배치 및 홍수 방지 조치를 포함한 폭풍 대응 계획을 시행하고 있습니다. 이 회사는 안전 및 신속한 전력 복구를 최우선으로 하며, 광범위한 정전 현상을 첫 번째로 다룹니다. 고객들은 정전 상황을 보고하고 잠재적인 전력 중단에 대비할 것을 권장받고 있습니다.
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) se prépare à d'éventuelles interruptions de service en raison des remnants de la tempête tropicale Debby, qui devrait avoir un impact sur le Maryland, le New Jersey, la Pennsylvanie et la Virginie-Occidentale à partir de vendredi. On prévoit que la tempête apportera de fortes pluies de 1 à 3 pouces, certaines zones pouvant recevoir jusqu'à 5 pouces, et des rafales de vent de 25 à 35 mph, atteignant potentiellement 40 mph dans certaines régions. FirstEnergy met en œuvre des plans de réponse à la tempête, y compris des quarts de travail de 16 heures pour le personnel, le déploiement d'équipes supplémentaires et des mesures de mitigation des inondations. La société accorde la priorité à la sécurité et à la restauration rapide du service électrique, en se concentrant d'abord sur les pannes généralisées. Les clients sont encouragés à signaler les pannes et à se préparer à d'éventuelles perturbations de l'alimentation.
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) bereitet sich auf mögliche Serviceunterbrechungen aufgrund der Überreste des Tropical Storm Debby vor, der voraussichtlich ab Freitag Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania und West Virginia beeinflussen wird. Es wird prognostiziert, dass der Sturm starke Regenfälle von 1-3 Zoll bringen wird, wobei einige Gebiete bis zu 5 Zoll erhalten könnten, und Windböen von 25-35 mph mit potenziell bis zu 40 mph in einigen Regionen möglich sind. FirstEnergy setzt Pläne zur Sturmreaktion um, einschließlich 16-Stunden-Schichten für das Personal, die Bereitstellung zusätzlicher Teams und der Umsetzung von Hochwasserschutzmaßnahmen. Das Unternehmen hat Sicherheit und schnelle Wiederherstellung des elektrischen Dienstes als Priorität, wobei der Fokus zunächst auf weit verbreiteten Ausfällen liegt. Die Kunden werden ermutigt, Ausfälle zu melden und sich auf mögliche Stromunterbrechungen vorzubereiten.
- Proactive preparation for potential storm impacts
- Implementation of comprehensive storm response plans
- Deployment of additional contractor crews (275+ in Pennsylvania, 150+ in New Jersey)
- Enhanced staffing at distribution control centers
- Flood mitigation measures tested and enacted in flood-prone areas
- Potential for widespread power outages due to heavy rain and wind
- Possible delays in restoration efforts due to hazardous conditions
- Risk of flash flooding in service areas
- Saturated ground increasing risk of tree falls and equipment damage
Insights
This news is moderately impactful for FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) and its stakeholders. The company's proactive approach to storm preparation demonstrates operational readiness, but potential service disruptions could affect short-term performance. Key points:
- Extensive preparation across multiple states, including 16-hour shifts and deployment of 425+ additional crew members, showcases robust emergency response capabilities.
- Potential for widespread outages due to heavy rainfall (up to 5 inches) and wind gusts up to 40 mph could lead to increased operational costs and temporary revenue loss.
- Implementation of flood mitigation measures and advanced customer communication tools indicates improved resilience and customer service focus.
While storm-related disruptions are part of utility operations, FirstEnergy's comprehensive preparation may mitigate financial impact and enhance stakeholder confidence. Investors should monitor restoration efforts and any significant infrastructure damage in the coming days.
From a financial perspective, this storm preparation carries both risks and potential benefits for FirstEnergy (FE):
- Short-term cost increase: Mobilizing additional crews and implementing 16-hour shifts will likely result in higher labor costs for Q3 2024.
- Potential revenue impact: Widespread outages could lead to temporary revenue loss, especially if commercial customers are affected for extended periods.
- Regulatory considerations: Effective storm response may positively influence future rate case decisions, potentially allowing for recovery of storm-related costs.
- Long-term investment implications: The need for grid resilience against increasing severe weather events may justify higher capital expenditures, potentially supporting future earnings growth.
While the immediate financial impact may be negative, FirstEnergy's proactive approach could yield long-term benefits in regulatory relationships and infrastructure improvement justification. Investors should focus on the duration and extent of any outages as key metrics for Q3 performance.
A video playlist of utility personnel discussing the impact of wind storms on equipment and restoration efforts is available on YouTube.
Company meteorologists have been tracking the storm for several days. The system is expected to bring the following conditions:
- Heavy rain: Rainfall amounts of at least 1-3 inches are expected throughout nearly all of FirstEnergy's service territory in
Maryland ,Pennsylvania andNew Jersey and the eastern part of the company'sWest Virginia service area. Central and easternPennsylvania and most ofMaryland could see higher amounts, totaling 3-5 inches. Portions of West Penn Power and Penelec's centralPennsylvania service territory could see localized areas of more than five inches of rain. Flash flooding is a possibility. - Gusty winds: Wind gusts of 25-35 mph, with isolated gusts of 40 mph, are possible in Met-Ed's eastern
Pennsylvania and Jersey Central Power & Light's (JCP&L)New Jersey service territories. Peak winds are expected between noon and 7:00 p.m. Wind gusts may mix with periods of heavy rain. - Severe storms: Isolated thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon and evening in JCP&L's
New Jersey service territory, with any developing storm having the potential to become severe, capable of isolated damaging wind gusts of up to 55 mph. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Wade Smith, President of FirstEnergy Utilities: "The arrival of Debby's remnants on the heels of the heavy rains and severe weather earlier this week presents challenges for our crews. Soft, saturated ground makes it easier for trees to fall without strong wind gusts. While we invest in our electric system throughout the year to keep power flowing to customers in all weather conditions, this combination carries the potential for power outages. We are closely monitoring this system and remain committed to taking every necessary step to ensure safe and prompt restoration of electric service for our customers."
FirstEnergy's electric companies are implementing storm response plans, which include:
- Implementing 16-hour-shifts for storm personnel with around-the-clock coverage, including line, substation and forestry personnel.
- Staffing additional internal operators, damage assessors and analysts at distribution control centers to assist with high volumes of outage calls.
- The deployment of additional contractor crews, including more than 275 line workers and foresters in
Pennsylvania and more than 150 inNew Jersey . - In
New Jersey , flood mitigation measures have been tested and enacted at substations in flood-prone areas. - Contacting emergency management officials, state officials, regulators and local officials about the company's storm preparation efforts.
Safety is FirstEnergy's top priority. Sustained winds and heavy rain could slow restoration efforts, as crews cannot safely operate bucket trucks when wind speeds exceed 40 miles per hour. Saturated soil and flooding can also hinder access and create hazardous conditions for crews as they work to make repairs to lines and equipment damaged by fallen trees and branches.
After a major weather event, hundreds or even thousands of damage locations, including broken poles and downed power lines, are common. FirstEnergy personnel prioritize clearing hazards like downed power lines, trees and blocked roads to ensure public safety. Employees must also assess the damage to enable line crews to access outage sites and initiate safe repairs. The formal restoration process focuses on addressing widespread outages first, before tackling more isolated issues.
How to Report Power Outages and Downed Lines
Customers who experience a service interruption due to the storm are encouraged to report their outage by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487) or clicking the "Outages" link on firstenergycorp.com.
FirstEnergy customers can sign up to receive email and text message alert notifications for updates after they've reported a power outage. 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 communication tools is available at firstenergycorp.com/connect.
Customers should assume all downed or low-hanging power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and use extra caution where downed lines are tangled in trees or other debris. Report downed lines ASAP by calling 911.
For updated information on the company's current outages, the company's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, visit FirstEnergy's 24/7 Power Center at firstenergycorp.com/outages. To learn more about navigating the recently updated map, please visit bit.ly/FEoutagemapupdates.
Customers Encouraged to Prepare in Advance of the Storm
FirstEnergy encourages customers to plan for the possibility of power outages due to the impending storm by following these tips:
- Keep electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops and tablets fully charged.
- Have a car charger on-hand to charge mobile devices if your power is out. If you have a smart phone, this will ensure you have access to online information sources.
- Keep a flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries handy in the event of a power outage. Tune to a local station for current storm information.
- If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water and/or fill your bathtub with fresh water.
- Stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.
- Consider having a hard-wired phone available to report an outage or emergency. A plain, hard-wired phone can operate on power delivered through the phone line.
- View additional generator safety information.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
FAQ
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