FirstEnergy Snowstorm Outage Update

AKRON, Ohio, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) crews continue to restore service to customers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio who lost power due to the spring snowstorm and heavy winds that moved through the area earlier today.

As of 9 p.m., FirstEnergy outage totals by utility include:

• Penelec – 5,300 customers without service 
• West Penn Power – 3,000 customers without service 
• Mon Power – fewer than 250 without service 
• Ohio Edison – 1,200 without service
• Cleveland Electric Illuminating (CEI) – less than 650 customers without service

Customers are cautioned never to touch downed lines.  Customers should always assume downed wires are carrying electricity and are reminded to keep their children and pets away from downed wires. 

To report an outage, customers should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or visit FirstEnergy's online "24/7 Power Center" maps at http://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.

FirstEnergy continues to mobilize internal crews and support personnel from Toledo Edison, Ohio Edison, Met-Ed, Potomac Edison and JCP&L and outside contractors to assist with the restoration process.  Overall, approximately 1,000 additional personnel, including tree crews, will be available to assist in hardest-hit areas.  If needed, FirstEnergy also can secure additional utility crews from various mutual assistance organizations.

For updated information on restoration news, current outages, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe after a storm, go to www.firstenergycorp.com.   

SOURCE FirstEnergy