FirstEnergy Requests Ohio Approval for Extended, Frequent Power Outages

FirstEnergy, an electric utility company, is seeking permission from Ohio regulators to extend restoration times for service disruptions. The request specifically involves its affiliates, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison, allowing them to not only take longer to restore power but also to increase the number of outages permitted each year.

Overview of FirstEnergy’s Proposal

FirstEnergy reported that its reliability performance has declined since 2019, citing challenges in meeting industry standards. This request has raised concerns among city officials in areas like Cleveland, Lakewood, and Barberton, who are urging state authorities to deny the company’s request.

Impact of Power Outages

The city of Cleveland highlighted the negative consequences faced by residents during outages, including:

• Inability to use critical medical equipment.
• Missed work and school commitments.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Food spoilage.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will make the final decision regarding FirstEnergy’s request, with hearings anticipated to begin on January 21.

Specific Requests from FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy aims to increase the average duration of power outages. Key points from the proposal include:

• Extension of the average wait time for service reconnection from 135 minutes to 150 minutes.
• Ohio Edison’s request to add approximately three minutes per outage.
• Toledo Edison’s request for an additional twelve minutes.

FirstEnergy argues that the proposed changes stem from historical performance and statistical analysis, asserting that the modifications are reasonable.

Concerns Raised by Activists and Cities

Critics, including consumer advocates and city officials, express concerns about the broader implications of these changes. Jon Blackwood, a spokesperson for the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, emphasized that the proposed adjustments could lead to more frequent and prolonged outages.

Lakewood reported significant public safety risks associated with repeated outages, citing over 60 instances lasting longer than five hours from September 2024 to September 2025. Many of those outages were linked to FirstEnergy’s equipment failures or errors, prompting calls for an independent investigation by the PUCO.

Reasons for Increasing Outages

FirstEnergy contends that increased rainfall and tree-related incidents have contributed to rising outage numbers. However, cities like Lakewood and Cleveland argue that many outages stem from first-party errors, aged infrastructure, and equipment malfunctions.

A report from the Ohio Environmental Council highlighted disparities in service reliability, noting that disadvantaged neighborhoods face worse grid conditions and aging infrastructure. The report revealed that equipment in these areas is often older and less capable of handling high demand.

Community Response and Future Considerations

As FirstEnergy seeks approval for extended blackout durations, local communities are emphasizing the importance of reliable electricity. Residents in cities such as Cleveland and Lakewood are urging regulators to maintain stringent reliability standards.

It remains to be seen how the PUCO will respond to FirstEnergy’s requests and whether community concerns will influence the decision-making process.