PUC Launches Post-Storm Review Following Major Southwestern Pennsylvania Storm

PUC Launches Post-Storm Review Following Major Southwestern Pennsylvania Storm

Published on 5/9/2025

Filed under: Electric

Review to Focus on Utility Response, System Resilience, and Lessons to Help Prepare for Future Extreme Weather

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced the initiation of a comprehensive post-storm review following the devastating April 29th storms that swept across Southwestern Pennsylvania - cutting electric service to more than 500,000 customers and causing widespread damage to utility infrastructure, particularly in the Pittsburgh region.

"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."

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 business. 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.

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 us 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.

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov