For Immediate Release
Contact
PECO Communications
PECO.Communication@exeloncorp.com
Customers are encouraged to prepare for colder weather
PHILADELPHIA (November 7, 2019) – As temperatures begin to dip, PECO has been hard at work completing the necessary projects to ensure the company's natural gas and electric systems are ready to meet the energy needs of our customers all winter long. As part of this, the company is investing approximately $5 billion during the next five years to inspect equipment, complete targeted system enhancements and corrective maintenance, invest in new equipment, and perform vegetation management work.
Specific to PECO's natural gas system, PECO has inspected equipment, completed necessary repairs or replacements, performed preventative maintenance work, and installed additional natural gas main and service lines to bring natural gas service to new customers. In 2019, PECO installed more than 80,000 feet of underground natural gas main to meet the growing needs of customers. The company also completed 185 projects to replace nearly 200,000 feet of existing natural gas line with new plastic pipe, which enhances safety, is more durable, and improves service. PECO has secured natural gas supply and completed filling storage facilities to serve our more than 529,000 natural gas customers this heating season.
The company has also inspected more than 13,000 miles of aerial electric lines and 500 manholes to make any needed repairs to underground electrical equipment. This seasonal readiness work helps proactively ensure that PECO's system is ready for the upcoming winter months.
"We work throughout the year to ensure that our customers have the safe and reliable energy that they expect and depend on, especially during the colder winter months," said John McDonald, PECO senior vice president and COO. "This proactive work helps ensure that we are prepared to meet the increased demand from our customers when they need it most."
As PECO prepares for winter, customers are reminded to prepare as well, by following these helpful tips:
PECO also reminds customers to test their heating system and have it inspected by a qualified technician. Regular service will ensure the heating system operates safely and efficiently for the season ahead.
PECO customers are encouraged to visit peco.com/alerts before winter weather grips the region. Customers can receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via text, email, or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. In addition, customers can text "ADDOUTAGE" to MYPECO (697326), to enroll in our two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of their outage.
For customers not currently using natural gas, new programs and incentives are available to help make choosing natural gas more affordable. And, customers continue to save money due to lower natural gas prices. PECO customers are currently paying among the lowest price for natural gas in 15 years.
PECO provides a variety of rebates for customers switching to natural gas or installing energy efficient natural gas heating equipment:
For more information about making the switch to natural gas, visit peco.com/gasconversion.
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PECO, founded in 1881, is Pennsylvania's largest electric and natural gas utility. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO delivers energy to more than 1.6 million electric customers and more than 529,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. The company's 2,700 employees are dedicated to the safe and reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas as well as enhanced energy management conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. In 2018, PECO was named to Forbes Magazine's list of Best Employers for Women. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $4.8 billion in Pennsylvania, supporting more than 9,000 local jobs and producing $775 million in labor income. PECO is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation's only Fortune 100 utility and leading competitive energy provider. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.
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