How are energy companies going to make sure your lights stay on during the Republican National Convention?
FirstEnergy Corp. and The Illuminating Company have spent more than $3 million to minimize the chance for outages.
According to The Illuminating Company, electricity being used downtown on a typical July day is about six megawatts. During the convention, the company expects a jump of about three to four additional megawatts.
To prepare for that expected jump, The Illuminating Company has invested in infrastructure inspections, maintenance and employee training.
According to a press release: "the preparation efforts also have included inspecting electric equipment serving hotels, entertainment venues, local airports and other facilities that are expected to be busy in Cleveland and surrounding areas, including those in Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Summit counties."
Employees and equipment will also be staged at Quicken Loan Arena, the Convention Center, the Illuminating Company’s line shop on East 24th Street, and substations serving downtown Cleveland 24 hours per day during the convention. Those employees will undergo background checks.
