With weather forecasts calling for significant accumulations of heavy wet snow in western Pennsylvania, the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminded customers of what to do when the electricity goes out.

When electricity is lost, priority restoration is given to locations that can restore larger numbers of customers and high priority customers such as nursing homes, emergency shelters, emergency governmental services and hospitals. Consumers should call their utility for the most up-to-date information.

The following areas are expected to be impacted:

• Met-Ed/Penelec/Penn Power:1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
• West Penn Power (formerly Allegheny Power): 1-800-Allegheny (1-800-255-3443)

The PUC offers the following tips for residents during a power outage:

When the lights go out

• Call your utility. Don't expect that others in your neighborhood have already called. Due to the severity of some of the damage, some areas may be without power until the weekend. Your utility can provide you with the most up-to-date information on when to expect power to be restored.
   
• Check on elderly neighbors and those with special needs who might need additional assistance.
   
• Use a phone that does not require electricity to work. A cellular phone or corded phone will work. Remember a cordless phone won’t work without electricity.
   
• Turn off lights and electrical appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can damage equipment. After you turn the lights off, turn one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
   
• Only use a flashlight or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles.
   
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. Food can stay cold for a couple of hours if the doors remain closed. For longer outages, plan to place refrigerator and freezer items in coolers with ice. If in doubt, throw it out. The state Department of Agriculture has more information on food safety at http://agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_6_2_75292_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/OrganizationDetail.aspx?name=Bureau-of-Food-Safety-and-Laboratory-Services&navid=34&parentnavid=0&orgid=13&
   
• If you are going to use a generator, do not run it inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system. Generators also should not be run near any open windows or other areas where carbon monoxide may travel into the home such as a air vents.

Driving during a power outage

• Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion. If traffic lights are out, treat all intersections as four-way stops. It’s required by law for safety.
   
• Stay away from downed power lines and sagging trees with broken limbs.
   
• Downed power lines
   
• Don’t touch or get near any fallen lines.
   
• Stay away from objects or puddles in contact with downed power lines.
   
• Notify the utility company.
   
• Never try to remove trees or limbs from power lines.

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 website at www.puc.state.pa.us.