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A Growing Concern: Electric Outages in Barberton
The City of Barberton is sounding the alarm regarding frequent electricity outages that have left residents in distress. Following a City Council meeting on June 23, where nearly a dozen residents aired their grievances, the government took decisive action. On June 30, Mayor William Judge and the Barberton City Council issued a letter to FirstEnergy and the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO). The letter outlined just how disruptive and escalated the outages have become, effectively pleading for immediate and strategic intervention.
The Impact on the Community
Mayor Judge emphasized the far-reaching effects these outages have on the community. He stated that the persistent power disruptions are causing not only financial strain on families and local businesses but also increased stress on first responders and vital services. The mayor noted serious concerns about vulnerable residents losing power to essential health care devices, food spoilage in households, and even businesses temporarily closing their doors due to unreliable electricity.
FirstEnergy’s Response and Accountability
While Barberton city officials acknowledged the efforts of FirstEnergy’s linemen, they pushed for greater accountability and transparency. “We have yet to hear of any proposed or planned solutions,” Judge remarked, signaling the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the issues. He noted the repeated requests for outage reports from FirstEnergy, illustrating the gap between community needs and utility responses.
What’s Next for Barberton Residents?
As concerns mount, the need for a thorough inquiry into these outages is pressing. City officials have called for PUCO to investigate the increase in frequency and duration of outages, demanding accountability from FirstEnergy. The city is committed to shining a light on these issues, advocating for essential improvements to maintain the safety and well-being of its residents. Barberton’s voice is clear: reliable electricity is not merely a service—it is integral to community health, safety, and economic vitality.
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