Partner Content
Power and Progress: PECO’s Bold Plan for a More Resilient Energy Grid
A $9.3 billion investment aims to strengthen our energy infrastructure for increased demand and extreme weather while building the foundation for a cleaner energy future.
As Pennsylvania’s largest electric and natural gas delivery company, PECO stands at the heart of the greater Philadelphia region’s journey toward a more sustainable future. From bustling city streets to quiet suburban neighborhoods, PECO’s energy infrastructure powers and fuels homes, businesses, and opportunity. With energy demand soaring and extreme weather events like hurricanes, polar vortexes, and scorching heat waves putting immense pressure on the energy grid, PECO has embraced the challenge with resilience and innovation.
“Our priority is always our customers,” Nicole LeVine, PECO’s SVP and COO, said. “We are continually working to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient service, while keeping costs as low as possible.”
An Unwavering Commitment to Reliability
Imagine this: It’s the dead of winter, and a snowstorm roars through the region. Power lines are battered by heavy winds, snow, and ice — yet your lights stay on and your home stays warm. That’s the result of PECO’s dedication to strengthening its energy infrastructure. Over the next five years, the company is set to invest $9.3 billion into its electric and natural gas systems, helping to ensure its customers enjoy reliable energy no matter the conditions. That’s a significant investment and represents the magnitude of work and focus by the company.
“We understand that energy reliability is about more than keeping the lights on or the natural gas flowing,” LeVine said. “It’s about supporting families, businesses, and our entire economy, even in the face of extreme weather.”
PECO’s $1.36 billion Reliability & Resiliency Plan is a focused investment in upgrading electric infrastructure to reduce outages, enhance response times, and pave the way for a cleaner, more resilient future. From installing state-of-the-art equipment to proactive maintenance and strategic vegetation management, every detail is carefully planned to keep the grid running smoothly.
Revolutionizing the Energy Grid
The energy grid is the lifeblood of modern society, and PECO is bringing it into the future. With 30,500 miles of electric distribution and transmission lines above ground, and 16,900 miles of cable underground, the company is taking bold steps to modernize its network. Cutting-edge storm-resistant equipment, like reinforced utility poles and tree-resistant aerial cables, are being rolled out, while drones buzz overhead, performing efficient inspections and storm assessments.
“We understand that energy reliability is about more than keeping the lights on or the natural gas flowing. It’s about supporting families, businesses, and our entire economy.”
It’s not just about fixing problems, it’s about preventing them. With smart grid technology and innovative equipment, PECO can deliver power more reliably and recover faster when issues arise.
Among the company’s key projects is a $58 million upgrade in Elkins Park, where it is replacing aging wires, poles, and transformers, while adding automatic power restoration devices. Meanwhile, in Peach Bottom Township, PECO is fortifying transmission lines along a critical five-mile stretch, ensuring reliability for both local residents and the broader region. In Grays Ferry, crews are tackling challenges with flooding head on. A $1.7 million flood mitigation project at the nearby substation now ensures swift deployment of critical equipment during emergencies. You may also see projects happening in Lower Merion Township, Bryn Mawr, and other towns where you live and work, as PECO crews and local contractors work to strengthen the grid for communities across the region.
What’s the value of all of this work? Well, the numbers speak for themselves: 2023 marked a historic year for PECO, with the lowest customer outage rates on record. Nearly 90% of customers experienced no more than one outage, and when they did, PECO crews restored power in just 90 minutes on average.
“We take pride in these milestones,” LeVine said. “But we know there’s always more we can do to serve our customers better.”
Expanding Natural Gas Infrastructure for the Future
PECO isn’t stopping at electricity. With more than 553,000 natural gas customers, the company is modernizing its natural gas infrastructure to meet growing demand and to reduce emissions. Picture teams replacing aging natural gas mains and service lines, which enhances safety, makes the system more durable, improves service reliability, and even reduces methane emissions. Take one example in Bucks County, where a $5.3 million project expanded natural gas capacity, allowing homes and businesses to switch to cleaner, efficient energy just in time for winter.
Looking ahead, PECO’s Natural Gas Neighborhood Pilot Program aims to extend natural gas service to even more communities, making it easier than ever for customers to access this reliable energy source.
Empowering Communities Through Energy
At its core, PECO’s mission goes beyond infrastructure. Each investment is a step toward empowering communities by creating local jobs, training the next generation of energy workers, and supporting underserved neighborhoods with reliable and affordable energy access.
From the Philadelphia Navy Yard to Upper Merion Township, PECO’s bold initiatives are reshaping the region’s energy landscape. And it’s not just about meeting today’s needs — it’s about building a legacy of sustainability and resilience for generations to come.
Stay Connected with PECO
Want to learn more about how PECO is powering progress in your community? Visit PECO.com to explore the latest projects and discover how these transformative efforts are making a difference in the greater Philadelphia region.