AKRON, Ohio, April 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) and its 10 utility companies have been recognized as a Tree Line USA utility for the sixteenth straight year by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters.

The award recognizes investor-owned and public utility companies - electric, gas and water - that promote the dual goals of dependable utility service and healthy trees along America's streets and highways. Award-winning companies demonstrate excellence in tree care, training and public education.

"Receiving this award never gets old because it recognizes the balance we strike between reliable service for our customers and having healthy, abundant trees," said Steven E. Strah, vice president, Distribution Support, FirstEnergy. "Our employees and contractors work hard to learn and use proper utility tree-care techniques while maintaining the beauty of the communities we serve."

FirstEnergy's tree care program combines the best practices of certified arborists and foresters to keep vegetation away from power lines and other electric equipment, which helps reduce the number and severity of service interruptions.

"Trees are a critical part of landscapes all across the United States," said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Service providers like FirstEnergy's 10 utility companies show that taking care of urban trees is good for business, for customers and for the community."

To achieve the Tree Line USA designation, companies must meet five program standards: follow industry criteria for quality tree care; provide annual training for employees in best tree-care practices; sponsor tree-planting and public education programs on appropriate plantings; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in Arbor Day events.

In addition to enhancing service reliability and natural beauty, FirstEnergy's investment in tree trimming programs also is designed to help ensure the public safety and the safety of utility line crews, especially during storms and other hazardous conditions.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com, or follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.