“This was not a routine weather event,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “The intensity and scale of the damage – impacting electric systems, roads, communications networks, and other infrastructure – demand a closer look. As we continue to recover, we also need to understand what happened, what worked, what didn’t, and what can be done better moving forward.”
Led by the Commission’s Bureau of Technical Utility Services (TUS) – which includes the PUC’s specialists in emergency response and utility reliability – the review will examine how utilities responded to this significant event, assess the impact of the storm on infrastructure and operations, and identify opportunities to improve planning and resilience for future storms.
The PUC’s post-storm review will explore storm-related issues involving Duquesne Light and FirstEnergy utilities, which were among the hardest-hit during the April 29th storm.
The effort will include:
-- A detailed look at outage causes, such as broken poles, downed wires, tree-related damage, and off-right-of-way hazards.
-- A review of how utility emergency response plans performed – including use of mutual aid, deployment of restoration crews, and public communications.
-- And recommendations for steps that utilities, communities, residents, and businesses can take to better prepare for future extreme weather.
“Our goal is to evaluate every storm to learn, adapt, and strengthen Pennsylvania's utility systems,” said PUC Vice Chair Kimberly Barrow. “It is important to study how storm intensity, patterns, and impacts are changing so that we can better prepare and protect our communities.”
Background
At the height of the storm on April 29th, more than 557,000 electric customers were without service.
Although some customers remain without power in limited areas, utility companies have largely restored service to impacted residents and businesses.
Some were returned to service through temporary repairs that will require additional follow-up work.
Utilities also note that post-storm cleanup and related fieldwork will continue in the days and weeks ahead.
The April 29th storm was exceptional in scope and impact. According to available Commission records, Duquesne Light has not experienced storm-related outages of this magnitude since at least 1993.
During the event, the PUC maintained close coordination with utilities, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Governor’s Office, and other state and local partners – ensuring a coordinated and efficient restoration process.
The PUC also launched investigations into two tragic fatalities involving downed power lines in Pittsburgh and State College.
“The strength of our utility network lies not just in how we respond to today’s challenges, but in how we prepare for tomorrow’s,” Chairman DeFrank added. “We regularly examine the impact of major storms in Pennsylvania because every emergency situation is a learning opportunity – and we are committed to turning those lessons into action.”
The timeline for completion of the staff review and the submission of any follow-up actions for Commission consideration will be determined by responses received to Commission staff inquiries.
Click Here for the PUC announcement.
NewsClips This Week - Storm Outages:
-- Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Officials Say More Proactive Approach Needed For Weather Disasters; Mayor Signs Order To Establish Mitigation Plan
-- Post-Gazette: Residents Struggle With No Power, Spoiled Food, Growing Frustration A Week After Deadly Storm
-- Pennsylvania Power Outages: 4,737 As Of May 7 At 8:20 a.m.
-- TribLive: A Week After Severe Storm, Nearly All Have Power Restored
-- TribLive: Pittsburgh Locations To Have Power Restored By Late Tuesday, Other Areas Sooner
-- TribLive: City Of Pittsburgh’s Top Emergency Official Did Not Alert City Leaders To Absence During Storms
-- Post-Gazette Editorial: While Pittsburgh Cleaned Up After The Storm, City’s Emergency Management Chief Was At A Conference In Myrtle Beach, SC
Related Articles This Week - PUC
-- PA Senate Committees To Hold May 12 Hearing On PJM Grid Reliability Initiative, Electric Generation Markets Update [PaEN]
-- PJM Releases List Of 51 Fast Tracked Power Projects To Provide 9.3 GW Of Power-- 7 In PA With Power Potential Of 1.2 GW [PaEN]
-- PPL Residential Electric Price To Compare To Increase To 12.491 Cents/kWh On June 1, Up From 10.771 Cents-- 15.9% [PaEN]
-- Evangelical Environmental Network Celebrates House Passage Of Community Solar Energy Legislation In PA [PaEN]
-- House Energy Committee Hears Testimony On How PA Has Enough Geothermal Energy To Meet 100% Of Pennsylvania’s Electricity, Heating Energy Needs [PaEN]
-- PUC Appoints Chris Yother Director Of Bureau Of Audits
NewsClips - PUC:
-- Washington & Jefferson Center For Energy Policy & Management: Report: PJM Grid Operator At Inflection Point, Reform Needed To Reduce Energy Costs, Increase Clean Energy Resources
-- Utility Dive: PJM, Others Urge FERC To Dismiss Ratepayer Advocates’ Capacity Auction Complaint
-- Utility Dive: PJM Fast-Tracks 11.8 GW, Mainly Gas Power Projects To Bolster Grid Supplies
-- DEP: Power When It Matters Most: How Microgrids Are Making Pennsylvania More Resilient [PDF of Article]
-- Grist: President’s Budget Calls Low-Income Energy Assistance Program ‘Unnecessary’
-- WHYY: No A/C, Fans Through LIHEAP In PA This Summer Due To Federal Funding Cuts
[Posted: May 9, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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