Energy company encourages customers to be safe if power outages occur

CHICAGO (Feb. 22, 2019) – ComEd is closely monitoring and preparing for extremely high winds expected in northern Illinois overnight Saturday continuing through Sunday night. Current forecasts project possible wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour and freezing rain and snow in parts of the region. ComEd is opening its emergency operations center, increasing crew staffing and readying equipment to respond quickly if power outages occur.

"ComEd has taken steps to have the needed resources available so that we can respond if the weather results in power outages," said Terence R. Donnelly, president and chief operating officer, ComEd. "If extremely high winds create issues, extra crews will work around the clock to restore service to customers as safely and quickly as they can. Severe winds can prevent our crews from working safely in trucks that reach high up to powerlines overhead, and we appreciate our customers' patience if these circumstances occur."

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 energized and extremely dangerous.
• 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 www.ComEd.com/report. Spanish-speaking customers should call 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237). 

ComEd has introduced a mobile app for iPhone and Android® smart phones that gives customers the ability to report power outages and manage their accounts; download the app at www.ComEd.com/app.

ComEd has an interactive outage map on its website at www.ComEd.com/map, which allows customers to easily find information on the location and size of outages and get estimated power restoration times.