Press Release

PUC Marks National Electrical Safety Month with Reminder to Always Stay Alert Around Power Lines

Published on 5/21/2026

Filed under: Electric

Spring Projects, Outdoor Work, and Everyday Electrical Safety Remain Key Focuses Across Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – As Pennsylvania observes National Electrical Safety Month this May, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is encouraging residents, contractors, and businesses to stay alert around electrical equipment, overhead power lines, and underground utilities during the busy spring and summer work season.

The PUC noted that warmer weather brings an increase in outdoor home projects, landscaping work, construction activity, storm cleanup, and utility maintenance — all of which can create serious electrical hazards if proper precautions are not followed.

“Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, but it also requires constant awareness and respect,” said PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow. “Whether you are trimming trees, using ladders, digging for a home improvement project, or cleaning up after storms, it is important to stay aware of nearby utility lines and energized equipment.”

Outdoor and Worksite Safety

The PUC reminds consumers and contractors to always be aware of overhead and underground utility lines before beginning any project.

Key safety reminders include:

• Call 8-1-1 before digging — contact Pennsylvania One Call at least three business days before starting any excavation or home project.
  
  
• Look Up before using ladders, tools, scaffolding, cranes, or other tall equipment near overhead power lines.
  
  
• Keep Your Distance — stay at least 10 feet away from overhead utility lines and energized equipment.
  
  
• Carry Safely — always carry ladders and long tools horizontally to avoid accidental contact with power lines.
  
  
• Never Touch anything that is in contact with a power line, including trees, fences, or equipment.
  
  
• Assume It’s Live — always treat downed wires as energized and extremely dangerous.
  
  
• Stay Back — keep at least 35 feet away from downed lines and immediately call 9-1-1 and your electric utility.

The PUC also emphasized the dangers faced by workers across many industries, including electricians, construction workers, tree crews, roofers, HVAC technicians, utility crews, and emergency responders.

“Electrical hazards are often invisible until it is too late,” Vice Chair Barrow added. “A ladder, tree limb, crane boom, or other equipment can become energized in an instant if it comes too close to a power line.”

Home Electrical Safety

The PUC is also encouraging consumers to use caution with extension cords, space heaters, chargers, generators, and other electrical equipment commonly used around homes and businesses.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of home fires each year involve extension cords and other electrical equipment used improperly.

Safety recommendations include:

• Don’t Overload extension cords or power strips with too many devices or high-energy appliances.
  
  
• Use Permanently — extension cords are designed for temporary use, not as long-term household wiring.
  
  
• Plug Heaters Directly In — space heaters and large appliances should always be plugged directly into wall outlets.
  
  
• Inspect Before Use — check cords and chargers for cracks, fraying, loose connections, or exposed wires.
  
  
• Keep Cords Clear — never run extension cords through walls, ceilings, doorways, under rugs, or beneath furniture where heat can build up.
  
  
• Buy Certified Products — use only electrical devices, cords, chargers, and batteries tested by recognized safety laboratories.
  
  
• Protect the Ground Pin — never remove the grounding pin from a plug to force it into an outlet.
  
  
• Use Generators Safely — always operate generators outdoors and away from doors, windows, and garages to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

The PUC also cautioned consumers against unsafe do-it-yourself electrical work or other risky shortcuts intended to reduce energy costs.

Additional electrical safety information is available through the PUC, local electric utilities, and national safety organizations including the Electrical Safety Foundation International and the National Fire Protection Association.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov