April 16, 2024 Storm
/ComEd Media Relations
312-394-3500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ComEd Readies for Severe Weather Across Northern Illinois
Customers are reminded to stay safe around electric equipment
CHICAGO (April 16, 2024) – In anticipation of significant weather coming to northern Illinois on Tuesday evening, ComEd is preparing for potential power outages as it gets equipment and additional crews in place. The current forecast call for strong winds with gusts up to 55 miles per hour, lightning and rain, with a potential for tornadic activity, as well.
“We’ve been monitoring incoming weather for several days and making plans based on where we think the highest impact could be,” said David Perez, executive vice president and COO of ComEd. “Our priority is to safely restore our customers as quickly as possible. The investments we have made in the grid are helping to mitigate the impact of severe weather.”
ComEd has been investing in tree trimming and system upgrades 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:
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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).
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Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a power line is extremely dangerous and energized.
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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.