As summer officially begins in Pennsylvania with the arrival of a heat wave that is expected to extend through next week, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding residents of helpful #WaysToStayCool and #SaveInPA – offering practical tips to stay safe, conserve energy, and manage household utility bills.

At the same time, the PUC acknowledges the ongoing impact of severe storms that swept across southeastern Pennsylvania yesterday, leaving approximately 156,000 homes and businesses without power as of this morning (down from a peak of 275,000 at the height of the storms). The Commission is working closely with affected utilities and state agencies to ensure the continued restoration of service.
 

Supporting Recovery While Promoting Summer Safety

The current extreme heat creates additional challenges for households still without electric service, especially those with vulnerable family members. Utilities are prioritizing restoration to critical facilities and large population areas and deploying all available resources to complete repairs as safely and quickly as possible.

The PUC urges everyone to stay alert, stay informed, and check in on neighbors, particularly older adults or those with medical conditions, as restoration efforts continue and temperatures rise.

#WaysToStayCool

Simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe and comfortable during hot weather, even with limited use of air conditioning:

• Use Fans – Fans create airflow that can help you feel several degrees cooler without lowering your thermostat.
• Follow the Shade – Spend time in rooms that stay cooler and avoid direct sunlight.
• Block the Heat – Use curtains or blinds during the sunniest hours to reduce indoor temperatures.
• Skip the Heat – Delay use of stoves, dryers, and dishwashers until cooler hours to avoid generating unnecessary heat.
• Grill or Chill – Use outdoor grills or microwaves instead of ovens to reduce indoor heat buildup.

#SaveInPA – Ways to Conserve and Save on Energy

Energy efficiency can also reduce stress on the grid while lowering summer bills:

• Adjust the Thermostat – Raising your thermostat just a few degrees can reduce cooling costs by several percent.
• Clean is “Green” – Replace or clean A/C filters regularly and keep vents unblocked to ensure good airflow.
• Turn It Off – Switch off lights and devices that aren’t in use to avoid both heat and wasted energy.
• Cool Only What’s Needed – Close off unused rooms and vents to focus cooling where it's needed most.
• Seal It Up – Keep warm air outside by sealing cracks and gaps around windows and doors.

Important Note for Customers Without Power

Those experiencing outages should take extra precautions to stay safe:

• Avoid Downed Lines – Always assume downed wires are live. Stay clear and report them immediately.
• Be Cautious with Generators – Operate outdoors and never connect directly to home wiring.
• Use Flashlights, Not Candles – Reduce the risk of fire during nighttime outages.
• Limit Appliance Use After Power Returns – Wait 15 minutes before turning on major devices once power is restored.
• Stay Informed – Monitor local news, utility websites, or mobile apps for outage updates and safety alerts.

Resources for More Information

Visit www.PAPowerSwitch.com for energy-saving tips and links to utility-specific programs, including conservation tools, usage assessments, and billing assistance options.

As this expected heatwave unfolds, the PUC remains in contact with utility providers and emergency management partners across the Commonwealth, supporting efforts to maintain essential services, restore power, and help residents safely navigate the first days of summer.

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 the PUC on X (formerly Twitter), 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.