Areas Experiencing Power Outages Urged to Notify FirstEnergy, City Leaders

While members of and FirstEnergy continue to review reasons—and possible solutions—to power outages in the city, residents can do their part by reporting outages that may even be only a few seconds in duration.

Two weeks ago, a FirstEnergy representative Karen Goodson addressed city leaders in council chambers while residents from parts of the city affected by chronic or long-term outages asked what was being done about the situation.

There was an apparent discrepancy in information in the length of some outages in the Westwinds, which appears to be plagued with outage problems. Goodson was receiving information from her company that some power failures were far shorter than reality.

A host of reasons were offered for the outages, from the Crestwood vault needing to be replaced to bad weather. Responding to a lengthy Aug. 25 from one resident, Goodson said the severe storm affected a high number of residents and businesses across Greater Cleveland.

“We had 93,000 customers involved in the Aug. 25 outage,” Goodson said. “We had to prioritize.”

Councilman Martin O’Donnell wanted a better communication system promised from FirstEnergy.

O’Donnell said Long Pointe and Lear Road areas the power will often have sporadic outages, and he wanted to know the procedure for letting customers know how long of an outage to expect and who to call.

“Having one line to call for information would be helpful, especially with some people relying on electricity for health reasons,” he said.

Councilman David Kos said that residents experiencing any outage at all, even for a few seconds, should notify either himself or FirstEnergy.

“You should contact FirstEnergy or council if there is a small, several-second outage,” Kos said. “Those aren’t picked up by FirstEnergy. If you come home and your clocks are blinking or if you know there was an outage, mark down the date, the address and if possible, the time and duration of the outage.”

Mayor K.C. Zuber said residents can also contact his office at 440-933-6141.

Kos said a follow-up meeting will eventually be held to further discuss the power outages.

Who to contact

To report a power outage of any duration, contact FirstEnergy at 1-888-lightss (888 544 4877), Councilman David Kos at 440-930-7737 or Mayor K.C. Zuber at 440-933-6141.