Lakewood, Ohio, has officially joined Barberton in a motion to intervene in an ongoing case before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) involving FirstEnergy. The utility is currently seeking to reduce its obligations to provide safe and reliable electrical power to its customers. This development follows persistent concerns regarding power reliability in Lakewood, particularly after a series of chronic outages that began in late 2022.
In response to the situation, FirstEnergy issued a statement to cleveland.com. The company emphasized its commitment to the region, announcing a significant investment of more than $3 billion through 2029 to enhance Ohio’s electric infrastructure, including projects in both Lakewood and Barberton. The utility described these upgrades as essential for delivering reliable and resilient service to customers in the years ahead.
FirstEnergy’s statement highlighted that, while some benefits of the infrastructure improvements may take time to materialize, the request to adjust reliability standards should not be viewed as a retreat from their commitment. “We’re confident in the progress underway and remain focused on improving reliability by continuing to invest in the communities we are privileged to serve,” the statement read. The company assured that Lakewood, Barberton, and all Ohio customers deserve a modern grid built for future demands.
During an August 11 town hall meeting held at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium, which attracted approximately 100 attendees, FirstEnergy announced a $12.5 million investment in infrastructure improvements. This includes $6.9 million allocated for the installation of smart meters, a move aimed at enhancing service reliability and efficiency. The town hall provided residents an opportunity to voice their concerns regarding ongoing power issues and learn more about FirstEnergy’s plans for ensuring reliable service.
Lakewood’s Mayor, Meghan George, expressed optimism regarding FirstEnergy’s investment commitment. She stated, “We’re encouraged by FirstEnergy’s pledge to invest in Lakewood’s electrical infrastructure and are eager to see the completed work.” Mayor George also affirmed her administration’s dedication to advocating for the best interests of Lakewood’s residents and businesses as the situation develops.
The ongoing discussions at PUCO reflect a critical moment for FirstEnergy and its customers, as both Lakewood and Barberton aim to secure a reliable power supply. As the commission evaluates the utility’s proposed adjustments to its obligations, residents remain watchful for improvements in service reliability.
