PECO: We've Made Upgrades to Keep Lights On This Summer

PECO says it has made $18 million of system upgrades so far this year, and said it feels confident those upgrades will help keep the lights on for area customers this summer.

Among the projects PECO detailed are substation equipment upgrades, new transmission wire and pole installations and circuit and equipment inspections.

“Our customers depend on us to provide safe and reliable service every day regardless of the conditions,” said Mike Innocenzo, PECO senior vice president and COO. “The work that we have completed in advance of the summer months will help us keep the lights on for our customers and keep them comfortable through the summer heat.”

Electric systems often are taxed in the summer months as customers run air conditioners and fans in attempts to keep cool. That taxing can occasionally lead to brownouts and blackouts.

PECO also offered these tips to customers to save energy and money in the warmer summer months:

• Turn it off: Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
• Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. Raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat to save even more. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you're away or sleeping.
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed: About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain to your home.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air: For those without any air conditioning, use ceiling fans or portable fans operating with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into your home.  For those with air conditioning, fans can be used to evenly distribute cool air.
• Use appliances wisely: During summer months, run appliances that produce heat (clothes dryers and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.