PECO Says It's Ready For Impending Snowstorm
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- PECO says it's already taking steps to maintain power for its 1.6 million customers, no matter what the upcoming winter storm might bring.
"We have all available service personnel ready to respond both in the field and office," PECO spokesperson Ben Armstrong told CBS 3's Walt Hunter. "And we've also secured some additional personnel from our sister utility in Chicago, Commonwealth Edison."
Armstrong explained that PECO is keeping a close watch not just on how much snow we might get, but also the type of snow; wet and heavy flakes potentially causing the most problems.
"Heavier, wet snow could accumulate on trees and cause some issues as well as power outages for customers," Armstrong said. "Then couple that with significant winds that could also bring down some trees and tree limbs."
Checking more than 38,000 poles annually, along with trimming trees, PECO says it's busy every day trying to keep your power flowing and the utility advises there are things you should do as well.
"Make sure you have bottled water," Armstrong advised, "and make sure you also have new batteries in your flashlights."
PECO says if you go to their website PECO.com/alerts, you can choose how you would like to be updated on power issues using either calls, emails or texts.
Finally, officials caution, never touch any downed wire and if you see one call PECO at 1-800-841-4141.
