Ohio
Is Ohio at risk of power outages this winter? Here’s what energy experts say
If you lived in Ohio in December 2022, your local utility company likely asked you to scale back your gas and electricity usage amid arctic-like conditions.
That’s because Ohio — along with the Eastern U.S. — was hit with a severe winter storm that strained the U.S. power grid infrastructure. The Carolinas and Tennessee experienced rolling blackouts.
While this winter is expected to be milder, this event raised questions around the resilience of our electric power supply chain in times of extreme weather.
What exactly is at risk of going “out,” though?
Ohio energy customers didn’t experience any significant power outages during that 2022 winter storm, but it was only narrowly avoided.
The electric power supply chain consists of many components.
PJM is the regional grid operator for Ohio, 12 other states and the District of Columbia. PJM issued an Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 on Dec. 23, 2022. PJM told utilities to reach out to customers to conserve energy as supply shortfalls were expected.
The region’s power generation arm was one segment greatly affected by the storm.
A November 2023 report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and North American Electric Reliability Corporation found that 13% of the amount of energy that was supposed to be generated wasn’t. This shortfall can be attributed to power plant and equipment failures, the report says, as well as fuel issues.
The report also found that 63% of outages can be linked to natural gas-fired power plants.
Natural gas production experienced some of its greatest declines in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — the Appalachian Basin. This drop doesn’t impact energy customers in these states directly, but it contributed to outages in other parts of the Eastern U.S. In the first part of 2021, the Appalachian Basin was the third largest natural gas producer in the world, behind the rest of the U.S. and Russia.
Courtesy of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Natural gas infrastructure wasn’t properly weatherized to withstand extreme cold temperatures, the report says. The report outlines that “legislation or other regulation is needed to establish reliability rules for natural gas infrastructure necessary to support the grid.”
Pennsylvania and Ohio legislators are holding joint hearings to discuss inter-state relationships within the PJM electric grid, and the sources of energy each state uses. One hearing was held in November in Pittsburgh, and the next one will be in February in Columbus.
The role of utilities
Utilities are responsible for transmission lines, distribution lines and power substations, which were relatively stable in Ohio during the 2022 winter storm.
But that doesn’t mean they are infallible. Last week thousands of customers across the state saw power losses due to utility-owned infrastructure.
Matt Schilling is from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the agency that regulates our state’s utilities. He said falling trees knocking out equipment during storms is one of the leading causes of power outages in the state.
“We’re focusing on that last mile of the grid, that distribution network, and making sure our electric utilities are keeping things repaired in a timely and efficient manner,” Schilling said. “And that they’re also responding to outages to get service restored as quickly as possible.”
Lauren Siburkis from FirstEnergy, which serves customers in the northeast, northwest and central part of the state, said tree trimming and thermal infrared inspections are some examples of measures the utility takes to ensure stable transmission. FirstEnergy also has a team of meteorologists to predict weather conditions.
“About a week before a potential winter storm could hit our area, we’re already doing all of the prep work to ensure that we’re ready to roll to make any necessary repairs to our equipment if we do experience severe weather that causes service disruptions,” she said.
Mary Ann Kabel from AES Ohio, which serves over 527,000 electric customers around Southwest and Western Ohio, said the company is hopeful this winter will go smoothly.
“We build a resilient electrical infrastructure, and we build with redundancy so that we have a backup, or we have a plan to reroute the electricity so it goes to the customers, the businesses that require that,” Kabel said.
Other possible preventative measures
In February 2023, PJM announced a forum would be created to examine its capacity markets. Those are markets in which power generators are paid for the energy they have the potential to produce. The PUCO submitted comments recommending PJM impose penalties for power generators that fail to produce the amount of electricity they are called to in times of grid stress, as well as alternate forms of resource testing.
Some experts believe the problem lies in the source of our energy. The 2023 report from FERC and NERC found wind and solar energy facilities performed more reliably than natural gas-fired plants.
Rajiv Shah is the head of North American policy and markets for Octopus Energy, a renewable energy company that manages some energy sources in Ohio.
As long as Ohio continues its dependence on natural gas, Shah said the state might experience shortfalls if similar severe weather hits.
“There might be individual facilities that have taken steps to weatherize and safeguard themselves from going offline,” Shah said. “But by and large, we’re in the same position as we were last year.”
Approving wind and solar energy projects in the state is more difficult, some energy experts said. That’s in part because nine people are on the state board that must approve them, while seven review coal and natural gas projects.
Nolan Rutschilling, director of energy policy with the Ohio Environmental Council, said one option exists that’s underused in the state — demand response programs. Those either pay or provide discounts to customers for reducing their energy usage.
“We saw the utilities ask folks to turn down their thermostats and ask folks to conserve energy. And of course, that’s a good step,” he said. “But we’re not matching that ask with any sort of incentives for folks to be more efficient in the state.”
Currently, demand response programs are available through all of Ohio’s utilities but only to large industrial energy customers, according to the PUCO.
What we have to look forward to
For this winter, NERC reports the PJM grid should have adequate resources under normal winter conditions, but our “generators are vulnerable to derates and outages in extreme conditions.”
Schilling from the PUCO said it’s something they’ll continue to pay attention to on a regular basis.
“As the electric grid and technology changes, we’re going to continue to be advocates to make sure that Ohioans can have faith that they are going to have reliable power supplies when they need it,” Schilling said.
By banning ranked choice voting and penalizing communities that consider it, Ohio leaders have limited local control and signaled a lack of trust in voters to shape their own elections.
When Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 63 into law, he didn’t just ban ranked choice voting in Ohio. He sent a clear message: Ohio voters cannot be trusted to make decisions about our own elections.
That should concern everyone, regardless of where you stand on ranked choice voting.
This is not really about a specific voting system. It is about whether communities have the right to explore new ideas, debate them openly, and decide for themselves what works. Senate Bill 63 shuts that door completely. It tells cities and counties across Ohio that even considering a different approach is off-limits.
Worse, it punishes them for trying.
When policy becomes coercion
The law threatens to withhold Local Government Fund dollars from any community that adopts ranked choice voting. That is not guidance. It is coercion. It forces local leaders to choose between representing their voters and protecting their budgets.
In a state that has long valued local control, that should raise serious red flags.
Here in Greater Cincinnati, we pride ourselves on collaboration, innovation, and civic pride. We bring people together across industries, neighborhoods, and perspectives to solve problems and build something stronger. That spirit does not come from the top down. It comes from people who are trusted to show up and participate.
Senate Bill 63 undermines that spirit.
Ranked choice voting is already used in cities and states across the country. Some have embraced it. Others have rejected it. That is exactly how democracy is supposed to work. You try something. You evaluate it. You adjust.
Ohio does not even get that chance.
Who gets to decide our elections?
Instead of trusting voters to decide, state leaders decided for them. Instead of allowing debate, they ended it. Instead of encouraging participation, they shut it down.
If we believe in democracy, we have to believe in the people who make it work.
We have to trust Ohioans to think critically, to weigh options, and to choose how our elections should function. Taking that choice away does not protect democracy. It weakens it.
Gov. DeWine had an opportunity to stand up for that principle. He chose not to.
Now it is up to Ohio voters to decide what kind of voice we want to have moving forward and whether we are willing to accept it being taken away.
Tyler Minton is a Cincinnati resident and Ohio native who works in the meetings and events industry.
ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.
A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.
Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.
Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.
The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.
Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.
Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.
Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.
Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.
Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.
Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.
She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.
Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.
Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.
Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.
Romans 8:6
King James Version
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m.
A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.
There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.
Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.
A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
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