ComEd released its news advisory regarding its response to power outages brought by thunderstorms and high winds across Chicago and northern Illinois. The company readies by increasing staffing and preparing equipment to resolve customers’ concerns in place of the stormy weather that is expected to continue until Wednesday.
As of 5:30 pm Tuesday, 38,500 customers reported power outages. Weather forecasts project rain, lightning, and sustained wind gusts of up to 43 miles/hour are suspected of hitting the region. Localized flooding is also likely to happen in some areas. Chicago’s National Weather Service (NWS) warned “scattered showers and [possibility] of a couple of thunderstorms.”
Terry Donnelly, the president and COO of ComEd said in a press release:
“We know our customers depend on reliable power all the time and especially now when many of them are spending more of their time in the home.” He adds, “Our employees have been doing their essential work to maintain and operate the power grid through the pandemic and are ready to respond quickly to storms if needed to continue to deliver reliable and safe power for families and businesses.”
The company also notes that it will prioritize to restore critical affected facilities such as the police and fire stations, and nursing and hospitals.
However, ComEd urges customers to contact the company immediately if they experience a power outage.
Company 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 energized and extremely dangerous.
- 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 everyone, our people are practicing social distancing.
Source: ComEd Press Release via Business Wire
