Dear Chair French, PUCO Commissioners and First Energy CEO Brian Tierney,
The city of Barberton has experienced an unprecedented number of power outages, adding to a history of consistent unexplained outages in our community.
We understand that some outages can be explained (downed trees, striking of poles by vehicles, etc.) However, the consistent, unexplained outages create unreliable service, which results in unsafe conditions for our residents and business community.
There is a great concern due to the increase in outages, frequency and severity, which last for extended periods of time. Such increase produces actual, real economic loss, but most importantly impacts the health and safety of our most vulnerable residents.
While First Energy has been responsive to our calls, it requires us to reach out.
Further, we have yet to hear of any proposed or planned solutions to address the concerns.
The city continually receives complaints and comments from residents concerning these outages.
I recently requested SAIDI reports and the SAIFI reports for Barberton outages but have not received these as of the date of this letter.
We request that PUCO investigate to determine why these outages are occurring at an increasing rate with frequency and duration; improve transparency with reporting and feedback to residents and businesses; and present proposed and/or planned solutions to correct this issue.
William B. Judge, mayor of Barberton
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Barberton mayor wants answers for persistent power outages | Letters
Reporting by Mayor William B. Judge, Barberton / Akron Beacon Journal
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