Brrr…it’s cold out there, here’s how PECO has prepared (and tips for customers too!)

It’s that time of year where we start to bundle up—whether it’s a winter hat to go outside or an extra blanket on the couch—because winter is here.

PECO has been hard at work ensuring the company’s natural gas and electric systems are ready to meet increased customer demand and keep homes and businesses warm and bright all winter long.

The company 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. The company continues to accelerate work to replace existing natural gas main and service lines with new plastic pipe, which enhances safety, is more durable, improves service, and reduces methane emissions. In 2024, PECO completed 292 projects to replace nearly 329,000 feet of existing natural gas lines.

PECO has also inspected more than 6,600 miles of aerial electric lines and more than 1,463 manholes to make any needed repairs to underground electric equipment. This seasonal readiness work helps proactively ensure that PECO’s system is ready for the upcoming winter months.

While PECO works to prevent as many outages as possible, severe storms can cause damage and power outages. Customers can act now to prepare for severe weather by visiting peco.com/storm.

In addition, customers can visit peco.com/alerts to sign up to 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.

Customers can also text “ADDOUTAGE” to MYPECO (697326), to enroll in our two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of their outage.

But we’re not the only ones ensuring we’re prepared, customers can too by following these helpful tips:

• Manage your thermostat. Keep thermostats set at a comfortable level. You can save about two percent on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. When you are asleep or out of the house, try turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours to save approximately 10 percent on your heating bill. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can connect to your mobile devices, helping you stay on top of your energy usage.
• Do not heat unused areas. Close vents in unused rooms and shut doors to unused rooms, closets, and basements. For rooms that are being heated, keep vents clean with a vacuum and do not cover vents with drapes or furniture that could block airflow or cause a fire.
• Take advantage of the sun’s heat. Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Keep it sealed. A poorly sealed house is costlier to keep warm. Caulk around doors, windows, and any openings for utility services. Using the locks on your windows helps make a tighter seal that is more resistant to drafts. If you have a fireplace, keep your damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.
• Upgrade your insulation. Insulating your home can significantly reduce your heating costs, while also increasing the comfort of your home. Reducing air leaks – around floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, doors, windows, vents, and plumbing – could cut your home’s average monthly energy bill by 10 percent.
• Check ducts for air leaks. Look for joints that are no longer connected. Leaky ductwork can increase your energy bill significantly

PECO has the highest customer assistance program participation in the state to help customers manage their energy bills. Income-qualified programs are available to help customers with past-due balance forgiveness, energy efficiency measures, hardship grants, and referrals for other services. The company also helps connect customers with programs that provide grant assistance for outstanding balances, like LIHEAP. For more information about assistance programs, customers can visit peco.com/help.

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