PUC: Storm Recovery Moving Ahead, But Work Remains: 136,000 Customers Remain Without Power

On May 2, the Public Utility Commission said significant progress is being made by electric utilities across the Commonwealth in restoring service to hundreds of thousands of customers following a powerful and fast-moving storm system earlier this week, while continuing to emphasize the need for sustained restoration efforts and clear communication with consumers.

At the height of the storm Tuesday evening, more than 557,000 electric customers were without service due to widespread damage to utility infrastructure – including downed wires, broken poles, fallen trees, and storm debris. 

As of midday Friday, the number of outages had been reduced to approximately 136,000 customers, reflecting a concerted effort by utilities and mutual aid crews to repair extensive storm-related damage and safely restore service.

“While there is still important work to be done, the progress made since Tuesday night is a credit to the dedicated crews working around the clock to assist impacted communities,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “We continue to monitor these efforts closely and encourage utilities to use every available resource to complete restoration work and provide regular, accurate updates to families and businesses still without power.”

The hardest-hit region remains southwestern Pennsylvania, with Allegheny County accounting for more than half of the remaining outages.

The top counties currently experiencing outages include: Allegheny, Armstrong, Indiana, Westmoreland, Washington, Cambria, Clearfield, Centre, Beaver and Butler.

Among the utilities continuing recovery operations:

-- Duquesne Light Company is reporting just over 76,000 customers still without power, with a system-wide estimated time of restoration (ETR) of Tuesday, May 6. The company is working to provide more localized restoration estimates.

-- FirstEnergy utilities are reporting a combined 48,000 customer outages, with ETRs ranging from tonight (Friday) at 11:00 p.m. to Monday afternoon, depending on the area.

This week’s storm ranks among the most significant weather events to impact the Pittsburgh area in recent decades. 

According to available Commission records, Duquesne Light has not experienced a storm of this magnitude since at least 1993, highlighting the rare and severe nature of the damage.

As with past major storms, the PUC is continuously communicating with the utilities involved and closely monitoring the completion of storm restoration work. 

At the completion of the restoration, the PUC would determine any additional actions.  

“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 noted. “We are committed to learning from this event and working with all stakeholders to strengthen our energy systems in the face of increasingly unpredictable and intense weather.”

Click Here for the PUC announcement.

Stay Safe and Informed

The Commission reminds all Pennsylvanians to stay away from downed wires, use generators safely, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may be impacted by prolonged outages. 

Power Outage Safety

If you experience an outage, consider the following tips--

-- Report the Outage to Your Electric Utility – Do not assume it’s already been reported.

-- Stay Away from Downed Wires – Always assume fallen lines are energized and dangerous.

-- Avoid Puddles or Objects in Contact with Wires – They can conduct electricity.

-- Never Attempt to Remove Trees or Branches from power lines.

-- Don’t Call 9-1-1 for Outages – Only call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency or safety hazard like a live wire.

Staying Safe While You Wait for Power to Return

-- Use Flashlights, Not Candles – Avoid fire hazards during power loss.

-- Turn Off Appliances and Electronics – Prevent damage from surges when power is restored.

-- Leave One Light On – So you’ll know when power is back.

-- Wait Before Powering Up – After electricity is restored, wait 15 minutes before turning on major appliances.

-- Use Generators Safely – Operate them outdoors and away from vents or windows. Never connect them to home wiring, which can endanger utility crews.

-- Check on Neighbors – Especially seniors or those with special needs.

The PUC remains fully engaged with utilities, state agencies, and emergency managers to monitor progress and support the safe, timely restoration of service.

Additional Guidance and Resources

In coordination with the Governor’s Office, PEMA, and other Commonwealth agencies, the PUC encourages residents to stay informed about ongoing storm-related hazards that extend beyond utility service.

Severe weather and high winds have impacted roadways and travel across western and central Pennsylvania, leading to numerous closures. 

For up-to-date information on roadway conditions, visit www.511PA.com or use the 511PA smartphone app, which provides 24/7 updates on traffic, closures, and weather conditions statewide.

Additionally, residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially during active or changing conditions. 

Free alert systems, including mobile apps, NOAA weather radios, and local media outlets, can help keep families and communities safe during emergencies.

For statewide storm response updates, visit www.Ready.PA.gov.

Working together, Pennsylvania’s utility providers and public agencies remain committed to restoring essential services and helping residents recover from the storm safely.

Click Here for the earlier April 30 PUC announcement.

Resource Links:

-- PUC Working Closely With Utilities, State Agencies To Restore Power To 426,000 Customers After Powerful Storms; 3 Deaths Reported So Far  [PaEN] 

-- PEMA: Cleanup, Recovery Efforts Continue After Severe Storms Across Pennsylvania

-- Pennsylvania Power Outages By County

NewsClips:

-- TribLive: More Storms Expected Thursday In Western PA 

-- Tribune-Democrat: More Power Outages Reported After Another Round Of Storms Hit Area

-- TribLive: More Storms Possible Friday In Western PA As Crews Continue Restoring Power

-- TribLive: Harrison Twp. Under Mandatory Water Conservation Order After Damaging Storm In Allegheny County

-- TribLive: School Districts Deal With Lost Power, Storm Cleanup

-- TribLive: Power Companies Expect Restoration Time To Be 5-7 Days In Wake Of Storms

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Duquesne Light, West Penn Power Estimate Weeklong Outages After Unprecedented Storm

-- TribLive: Western PA Buildings Offer Charging Stations, Supplies, Shelter After Storms

-- Tribune-Democrat: Power Outages Impacting Region, 911 Center

--  TribLive: Thousands Remain Without Power In Western PA After Destructive Storms 

-- Pennsylvania Power Outages: 459,715 As Of 6:25 a.m. 

-- AP: Storms Leave 3 Dead In Pennsylvania

-- Altoona Mirror: Gone In A Flash: Region Cleans Up After Destructive Swath Of Powerful Storms

-- TribLive: Fast-Moving Squall Line Leaves Death, Widespread Destruction In Western PA

-- WESA: A Perfect Storm Of Storms Behind Widespread Damage Across Pittsburgh Region

-- TribLive: Meteorologists Weigh Derecho Label After Powerful Storms Slam Western PA

-- Centre Daily Times: What Is A Derecho?  This Rare Storm Rocked Central PA With Strong Winds

[Posted: May 2, 2025]  PA Environment Digest