ComEd urges customers to report power outages and downed wires, exercise caution

CHICAGO (Aug. 29, 2022) – With severe weather forecasted across northern Illinois starting Monday afternoon, ComEd is opening its Emergency Operations Center and getting equipment and additional crews in place to be prepared to respond to potential power outages. Forecasts project heavy rain, lightning and wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour in some areas.

"We know that any outage is inconvenient to our customers, especially as temperatures begin to rise," said Michelle Blaise, senior vice-president, Technical Services for ComEd. "While the investments we've made in the grid are providing greater resilience against the more extreme weather due to climate change, we are also taking immediate steps to make sure that we can restore power to any customers who lose service as quickly and safely as possible."

Since it started smart grid investments in 2012, ComEd has improved overall reliability across northern Illinois communities and avoided more than 18 million customer interruptions. For the first six months of 2022, ComEd delivered its most reliable electric service in the company's more than century-long history, even as utilities are increasingly challenged by severe weather.

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. Additionally, for the safety of themselves and the public, crews are practicing social distancing.

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.