safety and security

May 27, 2020 | Safety and Security | 4 comments

Hurricane season: We’re ready. Are you?

We’re ready. Are you?

Looks like 2020 is at it again. Weather scientists are predicting a more active than normal hurricane season this year. Even though we’re working a bit differently these days, we’ll be ready if any of those storms affect central and eastern Pennsylvania.

We want you to be ready too. Stay alert by tuning into local weather reports and check out our tips to prepare for severe weather.

When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its hurricane season predictions on May 21, acting Administrator Neil Jacobs noted the upcoming season was no different than any other, in the sense that early planning and preparedness is essential. We couldn’t agree more.

NOAA predicted the likelihood of 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) this season, which officially runs from June 1 through November 30. What’s considered average? NOAA says a normal hurricane season will bring 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

The approaching warmer weather not only ushers in hurricane season, it’s also prime time for thunderstorms and other severe weather. However, our continued grid investments have reduced the impact of these storms. From 2011 to 2019, we reduced the annual number of customer interruptions by 30 percent. Since 2010, we’ve also reduced the overall frequency of these interruptions by nearly a third.

Our extensive use of smart grid technology helps us reduce outages, along with other things like replacing aging equipment with stronger, more storm-resistant poles and wires, comprehensive tree trimming, improved lightning protection, expanded use of animal guards, and more.

Strong storms like hurricanes will still produce some power outages, but no matter the circumstances, we’re prepared to work around the clock to get the lights back on. The pandemic may have us working differently, but we’re still delivering for our customers no matter what Mother Nature – or 2020 – throws at us.

Hurricane season ahead warning sign, clouds and empty field in background

Visit pplelectric.com/safety and pplelectric.com/outage for great information on how to stay safe before, during and after a storm.

4 Comments

  1. Ann Frey

    We have an ash tree that is dying and could affect the pole and transformer if it falls down. There is also a large maple tree in the same location, I have had a tree service come out to estimate the cost to take the ash tree down and trim the maple tree. He refused to work on these trees because of there closeness to the pole and electric lines. He said I need to contact PPL to have the trees taken care of. I don’t know who to contact.

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon Ann, Please contact our Service Department @ 1-800-342-5775 option 1 to report the trees threatening the power line & transformer. The Representative will take the proper information to assign the correct crew to investigate. We trim & remove trees that are between two of our poles and may interfere with our wires. Thank you!

      Reply
  2. emanuel c bakis

    Who do I contact to remove a rotted dangerous tree threatening a power line and transformer. The property is in wayne county, pa
    Location: is on Rusty Rd (marker tape on tree left side of road 600ft east of Mushpaugh rd, 2 homes will be affected by the falling tree on this line, should be removed as soon as possible. Nearest pole numbers: o.35095
    o.71575
    ATTCH 57

    PLEASE CONFIRM
    ECBakis

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon Emanuel, Please contact our Service Department @ 1-800-342-5775 option 1 to report this tree threatening the power line & transformer. The Representative will take the proper information to assign the correct crew to address this. Thanks!

      Reply

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