FirstEnergy Corp. crews were busy making sure the power grid remains stable during the hot summer months, with proactive measures to prevent outages.

As temperatures rise, FirstEnergy is taking steps to identify and resolve potential issues that could disrupt power delivery. Crews have been preparing for months, utilizing helicopters and thermovision cameras to inspect infrastructure and make necessary repairs.

“We want to address those in advance because our top priority is getting electricity to our customers to keep cool during these things,” said Todd Meyers, spokesman for FirstEnergy Corp.

FirstEnergy crews are using helicopters to spot broken cross arms and insulators that need replacement. They are also inspecting substations with thermovision cameras to detect overheating components.

Meyers explained that identifying overheating issues when demand is low allows them to make repairs before high-demand days, reducing the risk of failures.

In addition to these inspections, FirstEnergy is postponing planned power outages and scheduled maintenance during the hottest days to ensure continuous service.

The demand for air conditioning services has surged, with companies like H. Jack’s Plumbing & Heating Company receiving numerous calls. Jeff Merlino from the company advised regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning units to improve efficiency.

Merlino also noted that turning off air conditioning at night can be counterproductive, as it takes longer to cool a house down once it heats up.

By taking these proactive measures, FirstEnergy aims to maintain reliable power delivery during peak summer heat, ensuring customers stay cool and comfortable. For more tips on controlling your energy budget, click here.

https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/firstenergy-working-to-protect-power-grid-prevent-outages/