I met with PECO and Representative John Lawrence earlier this month. We had a very productive conversation.
From the beginning of the meeting, I made it clear that our community has two distinct issues; 1) personal safety within our own houses, and 2) significant property loss. Both of which require resolution and noting that if one is solved, the other will be also.
As part of the discussion, I brought up and made clear the following points:
- First and foremost, and even though the timing may be unlikely, someone could get electrocuted simply by operating a light switch or plugging something into an outlet during a power surge working its way through electrical system their house. As an example, in September, I happened to be outside on our porch when I heard (then saw) the power surge humming down the power lines. I ran into the house and was in the process of pulling out our brand new refrigerator (replaced from the August storm) to unplug it when the power surge came through the house and blew out the new refrigerator. Thankfully I wasn’t in the process of unplugging the fridge when it happend…
- A house could catch on fire (one did this year) due to the power surge and shorting out electrical appliances, etc. in the home.
It should be noted that the PECO representatives shook their heads as if in agreement and did not attempt to correct either of the above statements.
- While lightning can be classified as an “Act of God”, “storm event” or “climate change”, power surges do not specifically originate from any of those rationales as trees can fall and have fallen at any time.
- Customers essentially have no warning that a power surge is breaching their electrical panel. There is no lightning to see, or thunder to hear. It just happens without warning and often appears to be a brownout.
- At least 4 of their customers had their whole house surge suppressors blown and voltage of the power surge was so great that it also took out major appliances.
- Over 50 people responded to my FB inquiry that had a minimum of $3K in losses, one as much as $20K.
- State Farm has expressed an interest in what is occurring. Not in just our area, but in 5 counties.
Upon completion of my concerns, PECO then proceeded to provide some background history for the electric service in the area and how their infrastructure progressed. It was actually quite enlightening.
For those of us who have lived in the area long enough, we remember that the Landenberg area was very rural and had virtually no houses, commercial or industry, especially in comparison with today. PECO stated that when first served the area some 70+ years ago, they installed 4KV power lines to serve the entire area, which was more than enough power for quite some time. Based on previous growth in the area, PECO thought it would be enough for more than a few decades.
However, Landenberg exploded in population and housing developments, such that PECO added the 34KV power lines above the 4KV power lines (whoever said the over/under was part of the issue was correct!), connecting NEW customers to the 34KV lines and leaving old customers connected to the 4KV power lines.
Then they explained that whenever those different voltage power lines “cross connect” by a downed power line, a tree falling and conducting electricity between them, etc., a power surge is created on the lower voltage power line.
While traveling the roads recently, you may have noticed that PECO is replacing poles along Chesterville Road and vicinity from Penn Green Road to Wickerton Road. This upgrade is performing several functions:
- New poles that are taller. This enables PECO to create more distance between the 34KV lines up top and the 4KV lines that are lower.
- New ground rods at each pole.
- Better insulators for the 34KV lines.
This current work is an effort to prevent and disperse any future power surges, as well as lessening the opportunity for a power surge to occur.
PECO said this power pole work had been in their CIP – Capital Improvements Program, even though it didn’t get started until after the second major power surge. I did mention the coincidental nature of the timing.
Other actions PECO has put into place:
2024 – a major brush and tree clearing in the area. PECO will be coming through and removing trees and tree limbs in the area to hopefully avoid at least some future surges.
2025 – apparently some of us are still connected to the original 4KV lines. We are the ones experiencing the power surge issues. It is PECO’s intent to move those who are still on the 4KV power lines to the 34KV power lines, while simultaneously replacing any applicable transformers and ground rods.
Please note that there will probably be intermittent power shutdowns for work on or near your electrical connection. They’re supposed to let people know, but they’re don’t always do so.
Depending on how State Farm and PECO react to our personal property loss claims, will gauge whether or not it may warrant us personally taking additional action. If at that time others would like to join us, please feel free to weigh in at any time.