While many Ohioans were enjoying Fourth of July parades and cookouts, a different story was unfolding to the east.
Strong storms created fireworks of another kind as they swept through the Northeast, bringing down trees and power lines, and leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power during a dangerous heat wave.
When the Lights Went Out
Severe weather hammered New Jersey and several other states from July 3-5, with the National Weather Service logging almost 2,000 reports of damaging winds, hail and other storm impacts.
More than 300,000 Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers lost power. Climbing temperatures added to the danger.
That’s when AEP Ohio answered the call to help.
Our Crews Headed East
On July 6, after severe weather cleared in the Buckeye State, AEP Ohio sent 114 employees, including 17 line crews, to help restore power to JCP&L customers.
For nearly a week, crews worked long days repairing downed power lines, broken poles and other damaged equipment, often navigating heavily wooded areas to help customers. Kentucky Power, one of AEP Ohio’s sister companies, also joined the restoration effort, sending 24 field personnel.
“Power is something people depend on every day,” said Dylan Brown, an AEP Ohio operations manager who traveled to New Jersey to help. This marks his 24th storm deployment.
“When major storms hit and communities need help, we’re ready to step in. That’s what mutual assistance is all about,” Brown said.
Safety Came First
The work was challenging. Crews faced long drives, widespread damage and intense summer heat.
Throughout the deployment, safety remained the top priority. Teams focused on staying hydrated, driving carefully and looking out for one another while working in difficult conditions.
“Jersey Central Power & Light was extremely impressed with our crews’ responsiveness and willingness to help,” Brown said. “Our employees represented AEP Ohio exceptionally well through their commitment to safety, strong work ethic and professionalism.”
By the time they returned home, AEP Ohio crews had:
- Replaced 30 power poles
- Repaired or replaced more than 400 spans of wire
- Replaced multiple transformers
- Completed dozens of restoration assignments across the region
- Returned with zero safety incidents
Why It Matters
Storms don’t stop at state lines, and neither does the electric industry’s commitment to helping one another. Mutual assistance allows utilities across the country to send trained crews where they’re needed most, helping restore power faster after major weather events. The utility requesting aid pays for the expenses of the responding utilities.
AEP Ohio is often called upon for assistance because of our crews’ industry-leading skill and strong safety culture. We also call for help when needed, like following the March 13 windstorm, one of the most damaging storms to hit Ohio in recent memory.
For AEP Ohio crews, it’s also a chance to give back. After six days of restoration work, all 114 employees returned home safely, knowing they helped thousands of customers get their lights back on when they needed them most.
“We always take care of Ohio first during severe weather,” Brown said. “But when another utility needs our help, we answer the call. It’s just in our DNA. We know they would do the same for us.”
Staying Safe During a Power Outage
AEP Ohio reminds customers to keep safety top of mind during outages:
- Stay away from all downed lines and anything they may be touching. Immediately call 911 and AEP Ohio at 800-672-2231 or your local utility provider.
- Have an emergency preparedness kit with essentials like food, water, flashlights and extra batteries.
- Stay updated on restoration progress by following AEP Ohio’s social media channels and registering for updates at AEPOhio.com/Alerts.
For more storm safety tips, visit AEPOhio.com/Safety.
