Press Release

PUC Marks National Electric Safety Month

Published on 5/14/2009

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – With warm weather approaching, many Pennsylvania residents will begin working on outdoor home improvement projects, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers of the importance of electric safety.

“May is National Electric Safety Month, and it is important that Pennsylvanians take steps to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them when electricity is involved," said Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner.  “These precautions not only keep consumers safe and prevent damage; they also help in reducing utility interruptions and outages.” 

The Commission recommends safety measures including:

• Be sure to always assume power lines are energized;
• When planning work outside, be sure to take a look around for any overhead electric power lines and be careful to maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet away from any electric lines;
• Electric power lines are not insulated.  Never touch or go near a power line.
• If you see a downed power line, immediately call the electric utility, or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency;
• Do not operate or use ladders, cranes, scaffolding, or high-reach equipment close to overhead electric lines.  Never use metal ladders near electric lines;  
• If you have a job or project that involves work near overhead electric lines, call your electric utility well in advance of any work to make safety arrangements or work with a licensed professional; and
• For underground power line safety, please remember that Pennsylvania law requires that you call the Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. by dialing 8-1-1, or 1-800-242-1776, at least 3 business days before performing any digging or excavating project.  This will notify the utilities of your project and give them time to locate and mark their facilities.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International states that each year, home electrical problems account for 55,000 home fires. These fires are responsible for over 500 deaths, nearly 1,400 injuries and account for $1.4 billion in property damage.

The PUC and Pennsylvania’s electric utilities take safety very seriously.  Links to all of the jurisdictional Pennsylvania electric distribution companies are available on the PUC’s Web site, as well as the phone numbers to call for outages or downed wires. 

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722