Energy company increasing staffing to quickly restore customers if power outages occur

CHICAGO (Mar. 27, 2020) – ComEd is closely monitoring and preparing for strong weather, including the potential for thunderstorms, hail and high winds, expected across northern Illinois on Friday and Saturday. Current forecasts project rain and wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour throughout northern Illinois. ComEd is increasing crew staffing – including contractor crews – and readying equipment to respond quickly if power outages occur.

ComEd's priority during storm response is to restore critical facilities such as police and fire stations, nursing homes and hospitals first. We will be redoubling our efforts to restore these facilities as they are more critical than ever in this time.

"We know that reliable power is critical during this challenging time," said Terry Donnelly, president and COO of ComEd. "The ComEd workforce and all of our emergency response employees are dedicated to our mission to deliver reliable and safe power as people are dependent on energy now more than ever"

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. Additionally, for the safety of everyone, our people are practicing social distancing.

We suggest that customers also build an emergency kit. Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets. Keep the following items readily available:

• Flashlights – not candles       
• Fresh batteries
• Battery-operated clock radio
• Corded telephone
• Fully charged cell phone and back up chargers
• Non-perishable foods
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• First aid kit

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.