A Look at What’s Ahead from the President of FirstEnergy Ohio
Dear Valued Customer,
The start of a new year offers an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come – and where we’re headed. Keeping your daily lives powered is at the heart of everything we do, and over the past year we’ve taken important steps to enhance electric service across Ohio. I’m pleased to share how we’re building on that momentum and continuing our commitment to our communities in the year ahead.
A Smarter, Stronger Grid for Ohio
Over the last year, several major projects have been completed to strengthen the electric grid and improve reliability for our customers. For example:
- Stronger poles and thicker wires capable of carrying more electricity and better withstanding severe weather in Trumbull and Ashtabula counties
- New substation and transmission line to help reduce outages and speed up restoration in northwest Ohio
- Advanced technology and equipment in East Akron to enhance service for thousands of customers, including Summa Akron City Hospital
Severe weather continues to challenge all of us. In fact, severe weather events in Ohio have tripled in recent years. This trend underscores our $3 billion investment through 2029 to strengthen poles, wires and equipment across Ohio, particularly in communities that have experienced more outages. These upgrades will make the grid more resilient and better prepared to stand up to tough weather and support growth.
Our promise to you has not changed: When outages do occur, we will always work to restore power as quickly as safely possible.
Giving Back Where We Live and Work
We’re also proud to continue to support our communities through the great work of our employee volunteers and the FirstEnergy Foundation’s investments in critical initiatives.
In September, the FirstEnergy Foundation contributed more than $500,000 – its largest contribution ever – to 14 Ohio food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month. In addition, the FirstEnergy Foundation donated $100,000 to support emergency shelters and housing providers during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We ended the year by surprising two nonprofits with $20,000 in FirstEnergy Foundation grants to help families in need through the annual “Gifts of the Season” program.
Our Commitment to You
Thank you for trusting us to power your homes and businesses. We remain focused on delivering the safe, reliable service you need and deserve while building a smarter, stronger grid for tomorrow.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe 2026.
Sincerely,
Torrence L. Hinton
President, FirstEnergy Ohio