PECO Power Outage Map: Your Guide to Tracking Storms & Restoring Power

Published on: Jun 20, 2025

Understanding the PECO Power Outage Map

Power outages can disrupt our lives, especially during severe weather. PECO, the largest electric and natural gas utility in southeastern Pennsylvania, provides a valuable resource to help customers stay informed: the PECO Power Outage Map. This interactive tool offers real-time insights into outages, allowing users to track storm-related disruptions and stay updated on restoration efforts.

What is the PECO Power Outage Map?

The PECO Power Outage Map is a web-based application that displays current power outages within PECO's service area. It provides a visual representation of affected areas, the number of customers impacted, and estimated restoration times (when available). This information helps customers understand the extent of an outage and plan accordingly. It allows customers to view historical outage data as well as current incidents. This helps to understand trends in the area and prepare appropriately.

Why Use the PECO Power Outage Map?

Real-Time Information: Access up-to-date outage information, minimizing uncertainty during disruptions.
Outage Tracking: Monitor the progress of restoration efforts in your area.
Storm Awareness: Understand the impact of severe weather on the power grid.
Proactive Planning: Prepare for potential outages based on reported incidents.
Reporting Outages: Quickly report a power outage directly through the map interface.

Navigating the PECO Power Outage Map: A Step-by-Step Guide

The PECO Power Outage Map is designed to be user-friendly. Here's a breakdown of how to navigate its features:

Accessing the Map

The PECO Power Outage Map can be accessed through the PECO website. The address is usually found on the main PECO website navigation under the 'Outages' or 'Storm Center' sections.

Here's the current link to the PECO Outage Map.

Understanding the Map Interface

The map interface typically displays the following elements:

Map Area: The main area displaying the PECO service territory with color-coded markers indicating outage locations.
Outage Markers: Symbols (usually circles or icons) representing the location of power outages. The size and color of the marker may indicate the number of customers affected.
Zoom Controls: Tools to zoom in and out on the map for a closer or broader view.
Search Bar: A field to enter an address or location to quickly find outages in a specific area.
Legend: An explanation of the symbols and colors used on the map.
Outage Summary: A summary panel displaying the total number of customers currently affected and the number of active outages.
Estimated Restoration Time (ERT): When available, the estimated time when power is expected to be restored to a specific area.
Reporting Tool: Link to report a power outage.

Using the Map's Features

Zooming and Panning: Use the zoom controls or your mouse wheel to zoom in and out. Click and drag to pan across the map.
Searching for a Location: Enter your address in the search bar and press enter. The map will zoom to your location.
Interacting with Outage Markers: Click on an outage marker to view detailed information about that specific outage, including the number of customers affected and the estimated restoration time (if available).
Understanding the Legend: Refer to the legend to understand the meaning of the symbols and colors used on the map. For example, a larger, redder circle might indicate a more significant outage affecting more customers.
Reporting an Outage: If you are experiencing a power outage that is not already shown on the map, use the reporting tool to notify PECO. You'll typically need to provide your address and contact information.

How PECO Responds to Power Outages

Understanding PECO's response process can provide reassurance during a power outage. Here's a general overview of how PECO handles outage events:

Initial Assessment

When a power outage occurs, PECO's system automatically detects the disruption and begins to analyze the cause and extent of the problem. They use advanced monitoring technology to pinpoint the location of the fault.

Dispatching Crews

Based on the initial assessment, PECO dispatches crews to the affected area to investigate and begin restoration efforts. The priority is usually given to outages affecting critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency services, followed by those affecting the largest number of customers.

Prioritization of Restoration Efforts

PECO prioritizes restoration based on several factors, including:

Public Safety: Addressing hazards such as downed power lines or malfunctioning traffic signals.
Critical Facilities: Restoring power to hospitals, emergency services, and other essential facilities.
Number of Customers Affected: Focusing on outages affecting the largest number of customers.
Complexity of Repairs: Addressing simpler repairs first to restore power to more customers quickly.

Restoration Process

The restoration process typically involves the following steps:

Damage Assessment: Crews assess the extent of the damage to the power grid, including downed lines, broken poles, and damaged equipment.
Repairing Damage: Crews repair or replace damaged equipment, such as poles, wires, transformers, and substations.
Testing and Energizing: Once repairs are complete, crews test the system and gradually re-energize the lines.
Individual Outage Restoration: After the main lines are restored, crews address individual outages affecting homes and businesses.

Communication with Customers

PECO communicates with customers throughout the restoration process through various channels, including:

Power Outage Map: Providing real-time updates on outage locations, affected customers, and estimated restoration times.
Website: Posting news releases, outage information, and safety tips.
Social Media: Sharing updates and answering customer questions on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
Text Alerts: Sending text message updates to customers who have signed up for the service.
Phone Calls: Contacting customers directly with important information about outages.

Preparing for Storms and Power Outages

Proactive preparation is key to minimizing the impact of power outages during storms. Here are some essential steps you can take:

Creating an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit that includes:

Water: At least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.
Food: A supply of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruit.
Flashlight: With extra batteries.
Battery-Powered Radio: To stay informed about weather updates and emergency information.
First-Aid Kit: Including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
Cell Phone Charger: A portable charger or power bank to keep your phone charged.
Cash: ATMs may not be operational during a power outage.
Manual Can Opener: For opening canned goods.

Developing a Communication Plan

Establish a communication plan with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. This includes:

Designating a Meeting Place: Choose a location where your family can meet if you are separated during an outage.
Sharing Contact Information: Ensure everyone has a list of important phone numbers, including family members, emergency contacts, and your utility company.
Establishing an Out-of-State Contact: Designate a friend or relative who lives outside your area as a point of contact in case local communication is disrupted.

Protecting Your Home and Appliances

Take steps to protect your home and appliances from potential damage during a power outage:

Unplug Electronics: Disconnect sensitive electronic devices, such as computers, TVs, and stereos, to protect them from power surges when the power is restored.
Turn Off Lights: Leave one light on so you'll know when the power comes back on.
Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Closed: To keep food cold for as long as possible. A full freezer will stay cold longer than a partially full one.
Consider a Generator: If you rely on electricity for essential medical equipment or other critical needs, consider purchasing a generator. Be sure to operate it safely and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Staying Informed

Stay informed about weather conditions and potential power outages by:

Monitoring Weather Forecasts: Pay attention to weather reports and warnings from the National Weather Service.
Signing Up for Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts and outage notifications from your utility company.
Following Local News: Stay informed about local news and emergency information.

Understanding Tornado Warnings and Power Outages

Tornadoes can cause widespread power outages due to high winds, falling trees, and damage to electrical infrastructure. Understanding the relationship between tornado warnings and power outages is crucial for safety.

What is a Tornado Warning?

A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. It means there is imminent danger to life and property in the warned area.

Tornado Safety Tips

If a tornado warning is issued, take the following precautions:

Seek Shelter Immediately: Go to a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of a sturdy building. If you are in a mobile home or vehicle, abandon it and seek shelter in a more substantial structure.
Stay Away from Windows: Protect yourself from flying debris.
Cover Your Head: Use your arms or a blanket to protect your head and neck.
Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed about the tornado's path and intensity.

Power Outages During Tornadoes

Tornadoes often cause power outages due to:

Downed Power Lines: High winds can knock down power lines, causing widespread outages.
Damaged Equipment: Tornadoes can damage electrical substations, transformers, and other equipment.
Falling Trees: Trees can fall on power lines, causing them to break.

Reporting Downed Power Lines

If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and report it immediately to PECO. Downed power lines can be extremely dangerous and should only be handled by qualified professionals. Report downed power lines to PECO or local emergency services.

After the Tornado

After the tornado has passed, assess the damage and report any power outages to PECO. Be careful of downed power lines and other hazards.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: As mentioned above, these are extremely dangerous.
Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas, evacuate the building immediately and call the gas company.
Document Damage: Take photos of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.
Follow Emergency Instructions: Listen to local authorities and follow any instructions they provide.

Common Causes of Power Outages in the PECO Service Area

Understanding the common causes of power outages can help you prepare for and mitigate their impact.

Severe Weather

Severe weather events are a leading cause of power outages in the PECO service area. These events can include:

Thunderstorms: High winds, lightning, and heavy rain can damage power lines and equipment.
Hurricanes: Strong winds and flooding can cause widespread damage to the power grid.
Winter Storms: Heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain can weigh down power lines and cause them to break.
Tornadoes: As discussed above, tornadoes can cause significant damage to the power grid.

Equipment Failure

Equipment failure can also lead to power outages. This can include:

Transformer Failures: Transformers can fail due to age, wear and tear, or overloading.
Line Breaks: Power lines can break due to corrosion, damage from animals, or other factors.
Substation Problems: Problems at substations can disrupt power to a large area.

Tree Contact

Trees are a common cause of power outages, especially during storms. Trees can fall on power lines, causing them to break or short circuit.

Animals

Animals, such as squirrels and birds, can also cause power outages by coming into contact with electrical equipment.

Human Error

Human error, such as accidental digging or construction work, can also cause power outages.

PECO's Efforts to Improve Reliability

PECO is committed to improving the reliability of its power grid and reducing the frequency and duration of power outages. They invest in infrastructure upgrades, vegetation management, and advanced technology.

Infrastructure Upgrades

PECO invests in upgrading its infrastructure to improve its reliability and resilience. This includes:

Replacing aging equipment: PECO replaces aging equipment, such as transformers and power lines, to reduce the risk of failure.
Strengthening the grid: PECO strengthens the power grid by adding redundant lines and equipment.
Installing smart grid technology: PECO is installing smart grid technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power grid.

Vegetation Management

PECO has a comprehensive vegetation management program to reduce the risk of trees causing power outages. This program includes:

Tree Trimming: PECO trims trees near power lines to prevent them from falling on the lines.
Tree Removal: PECO removes trees that pose a high risk of falling on power lines.
Herbicide Application: PECO uses herbicides to control vegetation growth near power lines.

Advanced Technology

PECO is using advanced technology to improve the reliability of the power grid. This includes:

Smart Grid Technology: Smart grid technology allows PECO to monitor the power grid in real time and quickly identify and respond to outages.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): AMI allows PECO to remotely read meters and detect outages.
Outage Management System (OMS): OMS helps PECO to manage outages more efficiently.

Reporting a Power Outage to PECO

Reporting a power outage to PECO is crucial for ensuring a prompt response and restoration of power. Here's how you can report an outage:

Online

The easiest way to report a power outage is through the PECO website or mobile app. Simply log in to your account and follow the prompts to report the outage. This allows PECO to quickly locate your service address and prioritize restoration efforts.

Phone

You can also report a power outage by calling PECO's customer service line. Be prepared to provide your account number, address, and a brief description of the situation. It's helpful to report any details about what you observe, such as downed power lines or damaged equipment.

Through the Mobile App

PECO has a mobile app that can be downloaded to Apple and Android devices. This is a convenient way to report outages and monitor progress of restoration efforts. The app allows you to quickly report an issue without having to call and wait on hold.

What Information to Provide

When reporting a power outage, be prepared to provide the following information:

Account Number: This helps PECO quickly identify your service address.
Address: Providing your full address ensures that the outage is accurately located.
Description of the Situation: Describe any details about the outage, such as downed power lines, sparks, or unusual noises.
Contact Information: Provide a phone number where PECO can reach you with updates.

Conclusion: Staying Informed and Prepared

The PECO Power Outage Map is a valuable tool for staying informed about power outages in southeastern Pennsylvania. By understanding how to use the map, preparing for storms, and reporting outages promptly, you can minimize the impact of power disruptions on your life. Remember to prioritize safety during severe weather events and always report downed power lines immediately.