Severe Storm Hits Region; PECO Restores Service to 55,000 Customers

More than 12,000 lightning strikes and heavy rains caused downed wires and damaged equipment resulting in power outages in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. In total, the storm caused outages for nearly 60,000 customers. The most extensive damage was in Chester and Bucks counties.

In preparation for the storm, PECO activated its emergency response center and mobilized 300 field forces, including 65 crews from neighboring utilities, to respond to damage.

June 7, power has been restored to some 55,000 customers throughout the region. Currently, about 5,000 customers remain without service: Chester County - 1,350 Delaware County - 1,250 Philadelphia County - 1,200

Scattered outages remain in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

PECO crews continue to work around the clock to restore service to all customers. As final repairs continue, PECO reminds customers to remain safe and stay away from any downed power lines. Customers that are without service should call 1-800-841- 4141 to report outages.

The storm followed a day of warm weather with temperatures reaching the high 80s. The summer-like temperatures increased demand for electricity. PECO reported a peak load of 6,913 megawatts for the day. With today's high expected to reach into the 90s, a projected load of 6,871 megawatts is expected. PECO will actively track customer demand for electricity throughout the day and monitor transmission and distribution systems to ensure service reliability for customers.

Based in Philadelphia, PECO Energy is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation. PECO serves 1.5 million electric and 460,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania.