Community Corner

PECO: Storm Could Cause Multi-Day Power Outages

PECO has backup personnel at the ready to address power outages stemming from Hurricane Sandy, but power restoration could still take several days.

Hundreds of PECO staff are at the ready should Hurricane Sandy pummel the region, knocking out power. 

However, according to news posted to Horsham's Web site, PECO is estimating that power restorations stemming from a "direct hit," could warrant a "multi-day restoration."

The company said it is prepared to bring in additional crews from its sister utility ComEd in Chicago and from as far away as Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi to support storm restoration efforts.

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Customers should also prepare for possible storm damage: 

  • Keep PECO's emergency telephone number (1-800-841-4141) handy.
  • Sign up for an online account with PECO and access www.peco.com from your mobile device to report outages and check system status.
  • Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
  • Have a battery powered clock and radio available.

If an outage occurs:

Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Customers without power should contact the company at 1-800-841-4141. The more customers who call to report an outage, the more effectively PECO can dispatch crews and restore service. The company's automated telephone system can quickly record your outage, allowing customer care representatives to remain available to handle reports of dangerous situations.
  • Stay away from downed wires, damaged electric equipment, and tree limbs and branches contacting electrical equipment. Always assume PECO's equipment is energized – even if there is an outage in your neighborhood. Report these dangerous conditions to PECO immediately.
  • Turn off and unplug appliances and other devices to prevent possible damage. Remember to keep one light on so you know when service has been restored.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move meats, cheese, milk, etc. into the freezer to stay colder longer. A partially full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours, and up to 48 hours when full.

Customers with generators should never connect them directly to home wiring or plug them into household outlets. Generators connected to home wiring can 'back feed' into PECO's electric delivery system, risking serious injury or death to PECO crews. Generators should always be placed outside to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here