PHILADELPHIA (February 12, 2010, 9 p.m.) – PECO made significant progress today restoring electric service to more than 16,000 customers.  The company worked through more than 300 jobs and expects to have about 3,500 customers without power by midnight.

With some 330 jobs still remaining, PECO reminds customers that the restoration effort will continue through the weekend as more than 300 of the remaining jobs each affect less than 20 customers.

More than 1,200 personnel, including PECO, contract and utility crews from near and far are working around-the-clock to repair tree and line damage and restore power across the region. 

The company’s entire emergency response organization, including field and back office personnel, are working 12 to 16 hour shifts until power is restored for all customers.
As of 9 p.m., About 6,000 customers remain without power

Specifically:
Bucks:           3,100
Chester:           200
Delaware:         600
Montgomery:  1,800
Philadelphia:     300

PECO has received nearly 230,000 customer calls in the past 2.5 days compared to a normal 10,000 per day average.  PECO attempts to provide customers with estimated restoration times for their outage. The company’s automated telephone system can provide customers their most recent estimated restoration time.  We understand that our customers are inconvenienced whenever they are without service. Estimated restoration times also can change in areas with extensive damage.  Customers can periodically check with the company for the latest estimated restoration time. 
 

While PECO crews make progress, the company wants to ensure its customers remain safe.

• If an electric generator is being used, the house circuit breaker must be off so you are not feeding power back into the PECO system, which could harm utility workers.  Also, please make sure that the generator is outdoors.
• Always consider that downed electrical wires are energized and DO NOT TOUCH.  Report downed wires to PECO immediately at 1-800-841-4141.
• Customers concerned about possible freezing water pipes are advised to allow a thin stream of water to constantly run from the highest water faucet in their home.