FirstEnergy asks customers to conserve power

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CLEVELAND (WJW) — FirstEnergy and AEP asked for help in conserving energy this holiday weekend as temps remain solidly below freezing across Ohio.

“PJM Interconnection, the electric grid operator for the region, is asking that customers take proactive steps to conserve electricity through 10 a.m. tomorrow, Dec. 25,” FirstEnergy said in a statement, noting that energy usage is up at this time due to weather and people gathering together.

Although their request expired Christmas morning, FirstEnergy says they may have to take “additional actions if necessary, which may include the potential for short, rotating customer outages” if residents do not work to reduce their energy usage.

To stave off outages, FirstEnergy suggests putting home thermostats at lower temperatures, closing blinds and curtains and turning off any non-essential electric items, which they say includes holiday lights. People are also asked to refrain from using appliances like dishwashers, dryers and stoves.

AEP made all the same suggestions but didn’t mention holiday lights specifically in their statement, only saying to turn off “non-essential electric lights.”

As of Sunday morning, AEP’s request has also expired, according to a tweet.

“We did it together! The PJM request for customers to reduce electric usage has expired. Our combined efforts made the difference that kept the power flowing for all,” the company posted.

Those who have questions are urged to call FirstEnergy and/or AEP.