ComEd Readies for Severe Weather Across Northern Illinois

Rhea-AI Summary

ComEd is preparing for severe weather expected in northern Illinois on Thursday evening. The forecast predicts hail and winds up to 75 mph, which may cause power outages. ComEd is deploying extra crews and equipment to ensure quick restoration of power. The company highlights its system upgrades and vegetation management efforts, claiming these have improved reliability by over 70% since 2011, preventing more than 21 million outages. Customers are advised to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages via text, phone, or the ComEd app. Priority will be given to critical facilities during power restoration efforts.

Positive

• ComEd has improved reliability by over 70% since 2011.
• More than 21 million power outages have been avoided due to system upgrades.
• ComEd is proactive in deploying additional crews and equipment ahead of severe weather.
• Priority restoration for critical facilities like hospitals and police stations.

Negative

• Potential power outages expected due to severe weather.
• High winds may cause tree branches to fall on power lines, increasing risks of outages.

Customers are reminded to stay safe around electric equipment

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In anticipation of significant weather coming to northern Illinois on Thursday evening, ComEd is preparing for potential power outages as it gets equipment and additional crews in place. The current forecast calls for hail and strong winds with gusts up to 75 miles per hour.

“ComEd prides itself on our nation-leading reliability, and we’re readying equipment and personnel to ensure that, should any outages occur as a result of today’s severe weather, that we are able to safely restore those outages as quickly as possible,” said David Perez, executive vice president and COO of ComEd. “With high winds predicted, there is an increased possibility that tree branches may take power lines down, so if you see a downed line, please do not approach the line and immediately call us at 1-800-EDISON1 to report it.”

ComEd has been investing in system upgrades and vegetation management to minimize the impact of storms. Since smart grid upgrades began in 2011, more than 21 million power outages have been avoided and overall reliability has improved by more than 70 percent.

When responding to power outages caused by storms, ComEd’s priority is to restore critical facilities such as police and fire stations, nursing homes and hospitals first, followed by repairs that will restore power to the greatest number of customers.

Public safety is paramount, and ComEd encourages customers to take the following precautions:

• If a downed power line is spotted, immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661). Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).
• Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is extremely dangerous and energized.
• In the event of an outage, do not approach ComEd crews working to restore power to ask about restoration times. Crews may be working on live electrical equipment, and the perimeter of the work zone may be hazardous.

ComEd urges customers to contact the company immediately if they experience a power outage. Customers can text OUT to 26633 (COMED) to report an outage and receive restoration information and can follow the company on Twitter @ComEd or on Facebook at Facebook.com/ComEd. Customers can also call 1-800 EDISON1 (1-800-334-7661), or report outages via the website at ComEd.com/report. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237).

ComEd’s mobile app for iPhone and Android® smart phones gives customers the ability to report power outages and manage their accounts; download the app at ComEd.com/app.

ComEd’s interactive outage map at ComEd.com/map allows customers to easily find information on the location and size of outages and get estimated power restoration times.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240613596338/en/

ComEd Media Relations

312-394-3500

Source: ComEd

FAQ

What severe weather is ComEd preparing for in northern Illinois?

ComEd is preparing for severe weather with hail and winds up to 75 mph expected on Thursday evening.

How has ComEd improved reliability since 2011?

ComEd's system upgrades and vegetation management have improved reliability by more than 70%, avoiding over 21 million power outages.

What should customers do if they see a downed power line?

Customers should immediately call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON1 and should never approach a downed power line.

How can ComEd customers report power outages?

Customers can report outages by texting OUT to 26633, calling 1-800-EDISON1, or using the ComEd website or mobile app.

What steps is ComEd taking to prepare for the severe weather?

ComEd is deploying extra crews and equipment and has invested in system upgrades to ensure quick power restoration after outages.