AKRON, Ohio, June 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) crews from Mon Power, Potomac Edison, West Penn Power and Ohio Edison continue working to restore power to more than 341,500 customers following severe storms that impacted the area last night.  At the height of the storm, more than 560,000 customers were without power.

While the company's storm restoration process is working to restore power to customers as soon as possible, preliminary estimated restoration times indicate that it could be a week before the hardest-hit areas – particularly parts of West Virginia – are fully restored.

The current FirstEnergy outage totals by utility include:

• Mon Power – 227,000 customers
• Potomac Edison – 83,500 customers
• West Penn Power – 16,000 customers
• Ohio Edison – 15,000 customers

Large numbers of fallen trees and other debris from the storm damaged transmission lines and substations throughout these service territories.  As debris from the storm is being cleared, customers are cautioned never to touch downed lines.  Customers should always assume downed wires are carrying electricity and are reminded to keep their children and pets away from downed wires. 

To report an outage, Mon Power, Potomac Edison, West Penn Power and Ohio Edison customers should call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).

For updated information on storm restoration, current outage maps, FirstEnergy's storm restoration process and tips for staying safe after a storm, go to www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.  

Outage information is also available via the company's Twitter accounts: @MonPower, @PotomacEdison, @W_Penn_Power and @OhioEdison.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.