Will Storm Season Bring Longer Outages?
Last summer, First Energy customers in Cleveland saw frequent home and small business electricity outages that often lasted too long. Due to the public outrage, First Energy launched a $12.5 million grid repair plan to reduce future outages. But recently, the utility company asked PUCO to give all of its Ohio utilities more time to repair storm outages. Doing so would let utilities take up to 2 1/2 hours to restore power. So this begs the question; could all First Energy customers see longer outages just as the spring storm season starts?
First Energy Asks For More Time
Earlier this month, First Energy asked PUCO to allow its three utilities more time to restore power after storm blackouts. For example, the Illuminating Company in Cleveland wants to raise the average wait time from 135 minutes to 150 minutes. Now while fifteen extra minutes doesn’t seem much, it adds to that average wait time. As a result, shorter outages could mask an outage lasting for days.
Longer Storm Outages Coming to Ohio?
First Energy explains that severe weather, fallen trees, and outdated equipment make it hard to meet current grid standards. Last year, the company put its $12.5 million repair plan to work to fix Cleveland’s grid. And more recently, it announced an $800 million in upgrades for all of its Ohio utilities. But, all these upgrades would take time. But while the request may seem fair to some, critics don’t agree.
Currently, First Energy is mired in mistrust over a major bribery scandal. As a result, the company’s need for extra slack to make repairs may sound to some that it’s asking to provide worse reliability. But, outages can put sick and elderly customers’ lives at risk by cutting off power to home medical equipment. Plus, both food and medicine can spoil during blackouts, adding to customer woes.
Mayfield Village near Cleveland has joined other local communities opposing the request. They argue that First Energy already charges high rates to pay for better service but delays to restoring power continues.
So offering grace to First Energy may not be on PUCO’s table.
What Happens Next
It’s too early if PUCO will grant the request. But, with many towns angered by First Energy‘s current reliability, it’s unlikely the request won’t go into effect without changes. However, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for power outages from spring storm season.
The good news is that springtime also means the spring shoulder months are starting. Now’s the time to cut your electric bills by shopping for the best electricity rates in town at https://www.ohenergyratings.com. We’re also your best source for news and tips that could affect your bills.