Crews at First Energy have restored service to close to 293,000 customers of the 454,000 who were impacted by outages brought about strong wind storms and rain in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Gusts of over 60 mph hit many areas in the aforementioned states on March 25, 2023. Rain of more than two inches followed in certain areas towards the end of last week, resulting in ground saturation. This raised the likelihood of trees falling on account of the strong winds. Certain areas also witnessed thunderstorms.
First Energy began assessing the weather in advance and made preparations for a difficult eventuality. Approximately 2,000 forestry contractors, line crews, safety personnel, hazard responders and support personnel have been involved in the response team since the weather took a turn for the worse, and more resources have been diverted towards restoration efforts that will continue into the work week. Repairs have been undertaken at locations in the hundreds and crews are evaluating damage and are bringing back service to customers without power.
As of 12:30 pm on March 26, 2023, uudates on the work of restoration were as follows:
- Close to 52,600 customers of West Penn Power in western Pennsylvania lost service and at present, 42,300 are still without power.
- Close to 52,400 customers of Penelec in central and northern Pennsylvania lost service and at present, 32,700 are still without power.
- Close to 54,900 customers of Penn Power in western Pennsylvania lost service and at present, 37,700 are still without power.
- Close to 46,500 customers of Mon Power in West Virginia lost service and at present, 29,200 are still without power.
- Close to 152,900 customers of Ohio Edison in central and northern Ohio lost service and at present, 90,700 are still without power.
- Close to 78,500 customers of the Illuminating Company in northeast Ohio lost service and at present, 42,300 are still without power.
