Tree-Trimming Work Underway to Help Prevent or Minimize Power Outages in Maryland

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WILLIAMSPORT, Md., May 14, 2024 ~ Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is currently undertaking a tree trimming and vegetation management program in various communities across its Maryland service area. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing efforts to improve the reliability of its electric service.

With an allocated budget of $14.7 million, this year's tree-trimming program aims to prevent tree-related outages that often occur during the spring and summer storm season. Since the beginning of the year, contractors have already trimmed trees along more than 300 miles of power lines in Maryland. The company plans to complete an additional 1,800 miles of tree-trimming work by the end of the year. Similar efforts are also carried out annually by FirstEnergy transmission companies along high-voltage power lines in their service territory.

To provide a better understanding of their tree-trimming work, FirstEnergy has released a video on their YouTube channel demonstrating the process. According to Don McGettigan, Acting President of FirstEnergy's Maryland Operations, "Because trees are a leading cause of power outages, tree trimming is crucial to our reliability efforts and one of the most effective ways we can reduce the impact of tree-related service interruptions for our customers."

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The company's crews conduct regular inspections to ensure that trees near power lines are pruned while maintaining safe clearances and preserving their health. Trees that pose a danger or are diseased may be removed as part of this process.

In order to keep communities informed about their tree-trimming schedules, Potomac Edison works closely with municipalities and also notifies customers living in areas along company rights-of-way before any vegetation management work is carried out.

Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers in seven counties in Maryland. Customers can follow Potomac Edison on their website at potomacedison.com or on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) @PotomacEdison and Facebook at facebook.com/PotomacEdison.

FirstEnergy is committed to maintaining integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. With its electric distribution companies serving over six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York, FirstEnergy is one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the nation. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. For more information about FirstEnergy, visit their website at www.firstenergycorp.com or follow them on X @FirstEnergyCorp.

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Editor's Note: Photos of workers trimming trees near FirstEnergy power lines can be downloaded from Flickr for media use.

In conclusion, Potomac Edison's tree-trimming program is a crucial step towards improving the reliability of their electric service for customers in Maryland. By proactively managing vegetation near power lines, the company aims to prevent tree-related outages and ensure safe and reliable electricity for its customers.
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