PECO is committed to maintaining a safe and reliable natural gas system. PECO injects odorant in its natural gas to give it a distinctive, rotten-egg odor. If you suspect a leak or smell gas inside or out, leave the area immediately. Then call PECO’s emergency line from a safe location. Don't use matches or turn anything on, including cell phones. Even homes not using natural gas can experience gas leaks from outdoor equipment.
Call 1-800-841-4141 for gas and electric emergencies 24/7
If you smell natural gas or see downed power lines, leave the area immediately. Then call PECO at 1-800-841-4141 or 1-844-841-4151 (for gas only). These numbers are available 24 /7.
In the event of a potential gas leak:
Remember, if you smell gas, leave your home first. Then call 1-800-841-4141 or 1-844-841-4151 (for gas only).
Regardless of the source, be alert to the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) from incomplete combustion of fuels, such as natural gas, and inadequate ventilation can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Signs of buildup of this colorless, odorless gas include:
Exposure to carbon monoxide gas can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of muscle control. Prolonged exposure leads to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death. The best treatment for overexposure is fresh air and immediate medical help.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas and oil appliance manufacturers recommend a yearly safety check-up.
To prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, keep the following tips in mind:
EFVs can automatically reduce unplanned, excessive gas flows from a broken gas service line.
An excess flow valve (EFV) is a device that can reduce the risk of a natural gas leak in the event of damage to the outside service line. EFVs can automatically reduce unplanned, excessive gas flows in the event of a broken gas service line, often the result of excavation damage.
However, EFV's can only shut off the excessive gas flow if the damage occurs between the gas main and the customer's regulator/meter installation. An EFV cannot address gas leaks or issues with a customer's internal gas piping and/or appliances.
Because of regulations enacted by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation, PECO has been installing EFVs on the gas service lines of certain single-family residences – either when a new service line is installed or when an existing service line is replaced. With certain exceptions, customers whose natural gas load does not exceed a certain amount have the right to request an EFV installation on their existing natural gas service line.
PECO will install an EFV on eligible existing natural gas service lines. This work can be completed at a cost of approximately $1,400 to $2,000 with the actual cost depending on the individual circumstances of each job. These costs would be the responsibility of the customer requesting the EFV installation.
For more information about EFVs, or to see if you qualify to have an EFV installed, contact PECO's Gas New Business Request Line at 1-800-454-4100.
Learn how storms, floods, and more may interrupt natural gas service.
PECO actively monitors natural gas system performance year-round and during storms
PECO is committed to delivering natural gas safely and reliably to our more than 523,000 gas customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This includes actively monitoring our system during storms and other emergencies. PECO's preparations for storms include strategically positioning gas mechanics near areas of potential flooding and across the entire service area for a quicker response to reported leaks or damages.
Major Storms and Flooding Can Impact Natural Gas Service
Flooding, poor drainage, and rushing water can erode the ground near buried utilities. Excessive water can potentially cause breaks in natural gas mains, allowing water and dirt to enter the system and disrupt service. Excessive snowfall can impact the functionality of the gas service regulator associated with the customer's meter. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure that the regulator can vent properly by clearing snow around the meter set.
Understanding the gas outage restoration process
For PECO to safely make repairs, crews may need to shut off service to certain customers while isolating the damaged gas main. Therefore, gas mechanics will need to access these customers' natural gas meters.
If a customer is not available to provide access, PECO will work with local authorities to gain access to the property and shut off gas service. This can prolong the restoration of natural gas service for all nearby customers.
The time it takes to restore natural gas service depends on the amount of damage to the natural gas mains. Repair durations depend first on flood water receding and then the time it takes crews to clear all water and debris from the gas mains.
Once all the natural gas meters in the area are disconnected and the gas mains repaired, then PECO can reintroduce natural gas to the mains and restore service to individual customers. This requires a gas mechanic to access customers' gas meters to restore service and relight gas appliances.
What you can do to minimize the effects of a natural gas outage
Maintain adequate clearance around your natural gas meter. Structures such as porches, decks, paving, building additions or other structures should not obstruct the underground service line leading to the gas meter.
Keep electrical safety in mind
Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if it covers electrical outlets or cords or appliances plugged into outlets.
Ensure the electrical system is shut off before entering a flooded room or basement.
Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you must stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
Do not turn on any lights or appliances affected by a flood without having a comprehensive inspection performed by a licensed electrician.
When working outside be aware of the location of - and stay away from - overhead and underground electrical lines. You also should stay clear of downed wires and report them to PECO at 1-800-841-4141.
Before you dig, call 811
When cleaning up after floods and storms, if you do any excavations or renovations (e.g., tree removals or demolition of storm-damaged structures), always call PA One Call at 811 before you dig.
Information to help you to maintain safe gas service and your personal safety.
The information below will help you to maintain safe gas service and your personal safety.
Actions to take if there is a potential gas leak:
Immediately report abnormal gas pressure, a loss of gas service, or water in pipes or gas-fed appliances to PECO at 1-800-841-4141 or 1-844-841-4151.
If you suspect a gas leak, do not attempt to find the source of the leak or to repair a leak. Leave the area or premises immediately. From a safe place, contact PECO at 1-800-841-4141 or 1-844-841-4151 to report the leak.
Keep water away from gas meters by clearing nearby drains (interior and exterior) and maintaining basement sump pumps in good working condition.
If water covers your gas meter, call PECO to inspect your meter and regulator.
Do not attempt to place natural gas appliances back in service if you believe they have come in contact with water or have been damaged. The equipment must be inspected and serviced by a qualified plumbing contractor before we can restore your gas service.
Contact PECO to arrange a gas equipment inspection if flood waters have shifted your home or caused stresses to the gas pipes; both can potentially lead to natural gas leaks.
When cleaning up from severe weather, always call Pennsylvania One at 811 before you dig.
When dealing with natural gas issues in floods and storms, always keep electrical safety in mind:
Ensure that the electrical system is shut off before entering a flooded room.
Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if it covers electrical outlets or cords or appliances that are plugged into outlets if you electrical system is not shut off.
Do not turn on any lights or appliances affected by a flood before a licensed electrician performs a comprehensive inspection.
All indoor meters must be relocated outdoors as part of PECO's system improvements
Download an educational gas safety flyer.
A gas leak smells like rotten eggs. Watch this video to learn more.
