First Energy’s Pennsylvania utilities are completing critical winter preparations to ensure reliable power delivery during harsh weather conditions. The company’s comprehensive maintenance program includes thermovision inspections of substation equipment, helicopter patrols of transmission lines, and extensive vegetation management across its service territory. These proactive measures aim to prevent weather-related outages as customers increase heating usage during colder months.
Advanced infrared technology plays a key role in FirstEnergy’s winter readiness strategy. Substation crews use thermovision cameras to identify overheating components, loose connections, and corrosion invisible to the naked eye. The company has also winterized control buildings housing sensitive equipment, ensuring backup heating systems and battery power are operational. More than 5,500 miles of transmission lines are undergoing aerial inspections to detect potential hardware failures before winter storms strike.
Vegetation management remains a priority, with crews completing tree trimming along approximately 9,900 miles of power lines this year. This preventive maintenance helps minimize outages caused by ice-laden branches damaging equipment. FirstEnergy has also prepared its fleet of bucket trucks and specialized vehicles for winter operations, focusing on critical components like tires and air brakes that can malfunction in freezing temperatures.
The company’s preparedness extends beyond physical infrastructure. FirstEnergy Pennsylvania recently conducted storm response drills to refine emergency restoration procedures. “Our teams are trained and equipped to respond quickly to winter weather challenges,” said President John Hawkins, emphasizing the importance of reliable power for customer safety during extreme cold.
First Energy offers winter energy efficiency tips to help customers manage heating costs, including weatherproofing homes and maintaining furnace filters. The company also provides payment assistance programs for households struggling with seasonal bill increases. These combined efforts reflect FirstEnergy’s commitment to keeping Pennsylvania communities powered through winter’s toughest conditions.
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