Lakewood Power Outages: State Lawmaker Schedules Crucial Meeting with FirstEnergy Over Ongoing Blackouts

Lakewood Power Outages: State Lawmaker Schedules Urgent Meeting with FirstEnergy

The growing frustration over recurring Lakewood power outages has prompted action from both local and state leaders. Following a series of blackouts that have disrupted daily life and local business operations, Ohio State Representative Tristan Rader announced a scheduled meeting with FirstEnergy to directly address the continuing issue. The meeting will also include Lakewood Mayor Meghan George and aims to bring much-needed accountability and transparency to the table.

State Leaders Respond to Ongoing Lakewood Power Outages

Residents and businesses in Lakewood and Cleveland’s west side have faced repeated power disruptions in recent months. These Lakewood power outages have not only caused inconvenience but have also raised concerns regarding safety, especially for individuals who rely on consistent electricity for medical equipment or climate control during extreme weather.

“Enough is enough,” Rep. Tristan Rader stated in a social media post. “In the coming weeks, I will be exploring the possibility of holding hearings in Columbus to investigate these outages and find out why FirstEnergy continues to fail our communities.”

The meeting with FirstEnergy this week is expected to address the specific causes of the frequent Lakewood power outages, demand a timeline for infrastructure improvements, and explore long-term solutions.

Local Officials and Businesses Speak Out on Lakewood Power Outages

Lakewood’s historic music and event venue, Mahall’s, took to social media to express frustration after yet another outage forced them to cancel events and lose business. “We can’t continue to operate in the dark—literally,” the business wrote in a public post.

Similarly, Cleveland City Councilmember Charles Slife voiced his concerns on Facebook, urging residents in West Park and Lakewood to file formal complaints with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Slife revealed that he and fellow Councilmember Brian Kazy had sent a letter to PUCO earlier this year, detailing 10 outages in just a 60-day period, yet have received no official response.

Impact of Lakewood Power Outages on Daily Life

The repeated Lakewood power outages are more than just an inconvenience. They affect families, elderly residents, businesses, and even public services. Power loss during extreme heat or cold can put vulnerable populations at risk. Local leaders emphasized that many residents depend on electricity for medical devices and climate control systems.

“Power outages are disruptive to residents, dangerous for people relying on electricity for health reasons, and bad for business,” Slife stated. “It is apparent that FirstEnergy’s infrastructure in and around West Park is inadequate and in need of investment.”

FirstEnergy’s Response to Lakewood Power Outages

FirstEnergy, which supplies power to Lakewood and surrounding areas, has acknowledged the outages and pledged to take action. The company said that it has already restored power to approximately 4,700 of the 10,700 customers initially affected over the weekend and continues to work toward full restoration.

In a statement regarding the Lakewood power outages, FirstEnergy said, “We recognize how challenging power outages can be, especially during extreme weather. The extreme heat can place significant stress on the electric grid and impact equipment performance.”

The utility provider noted that it is accelerating system improvements as part of its Energize365 initiative. This includes approximately $2 million in upgrades to substations and power lines that serve high-outage areas in Lakewood and West Park. These enhancements are expected to reduce the frequency and duration of future Lakewood power outages.

Calls for Greater Oversight and Accountability

One of the key concerns raised by local officials is that investor-owned utilities like FirstEnergy are regulated by PUCO, not local municipalities. This regulatory distance, they argue, makes it harder for cities to hold the utility accountable.

“We are relying on this arm of State government to prioritize us, the rate payers, and NOT the utilities they regulate that seek to maximize their profits to benefit investors,” Slife emphasized.

Many in the community are now calling for PUCO to investigate the cause and pattern of the Lakewood power outages, and to ensure that FirstEnergy is making the necessary investments to deliver consistent service.

Thousands Affected by Lakewood Power Outages Over the Weekend

According to FirstEnergy’s outage tracker, as of 9:23 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, a total of 5,885 customers across Cuyahoga County were without power. The hardest-hit areas included:

• Lakewood: 3,086 customers
• Brooklyn: 2,240 customers

Estimated restoration times for the affected areas were around 1 p.m. Saturday. By 3 p.m., the majority of the outages in Northeast Ohio were reported as resolved. However, the recurrence of such events has left residents skeptical and concerned about the reliability of their utility service.

Weather a Contributing Factor, But Not the Sole Cause

Friday’s severe storms that swept through Northeast Ohio contributed to widespread outages, but officials and residents believe that aging infrastructure and lack of maintenance are the primary drivers behind Lakewood power outages.

With temperatures rising and storms becoming more frequent due to climate change, the reliability of power infrastructure is now more important than ever.

What Comes Next for Lakewood Residents?

As the city of Lakewood and surrounding neighborhoods await answers, Rep. Rader’s upcoming meeting with FirstEnergy and Mayor George may prove to be a pivotal moment in resolving the Lakewood power outages. State hearings, if pursued, could put further pressure on PUCO and the utility company to act in the public’s interest.

Residents are encouraged to document their experiences, file complaints with PUCO, and participate in local discussions to ensure their voices are heard.

Conclusion: The Fight for Reliable Power in Lakewood Continues

The Lakewood power outages have highlighted critical flaws in the region’s power infrastructure and the need for greater oversight of utility providers. With community leaders, lawmakers, and residents coming together to demand action, the hope is that these outages will soon be a thing of the past.

Until then, vigilance, public pressure, and clear communication remain key to holding FirstEnergy and PUCO accountable—and ensuring that every household and business in Lakewood has access to safe, reliable electricity.

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