Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:39 GMT
PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised - are some
PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:14 GMT
It's been just two days since regional energy giant PECO abruptly halted its federally funded smart meter installation program, yet the utility has already received 1,000 calls from customers.
It's been just two days since regional energy giant PECO abruptly halted its federally funded smart meter installation program, yet the utility has already received 1,000 calls from customers.
After at least two fires and over a dozen incidents of overheating, PECO is halting its controversial smart meter installation program.
The stunning announcement came Wednesday morning as FOX 29 Investigates pressed the company over a spate of recent incidents, including fires in Bucks County.
PECO had plans to install 1.6 million of the so-called smart meters.
The digital units are designed to conserve energy and help customers monitor their usage.
But over the past few months, concerns and complaints have grown that the installation of these new meters have sparked fires, including two recently in Bucks County.
Now, PECO is stopping installations as it takes a hard look at the meters and prepares to put safety measures in place
"Is PECO concerned that it has 186,000 meters in people's homes here that may represent a danger to them and their families?" FOX 29's Jeff Cole asked.
"This situation is obviously being taken very seriously," PECO spokeswoman Cathy Engle Menendez answered. "We have 186,000 meters, the vast majority of which are performing well., but we've had 15 cases where there have been issues."
Of the 15 incidents, PECO says it is still investigating nine. Six, they claim, were not caused by the smart meters.
Along with the abrupt halt of the meter installations, PECO says it will install warning and shutdown components on those already in place.
In his video report for Wednesday's FOX 29 News at 10, Cole spoke to some of the property owners who were impacted by the fires.
If you want your PECO meter or equipment inspected, officials there want you to give them a call. The number is 855-741-9011.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:42 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:42:09 GMT
It was a fire in a Bucks County home two weeks ago, and other issues related to PECO's smart meter program, which have drawn Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission into PECO's smart meter controversy.
It was a fire in a Bucks County home two weeks ago, and other issues related to PECO's smart meter program, which have drawn Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission into PECO's smart meter controversy.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:55 GMT
Only On FOX: There was a major announcement from the region's energy giant after a FOX 29 Investigation. PECO is shutting down a massive, federally-funded energy program.
Only On FOX: There was a major announcement from the region's energy giant after a FOX 29 Investigation. PECO is shutting down a massive, federally-funded energy program.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:39 GMT
PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised - are some
PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:14 GMT
It's been just two days since regional energy giant PECO abruptly halted its federally funded smart meter installation program, yet the utility has already received 1,000 calls from customers.
It's been just two days since regional energy giant PECO abruptly halted its federally funded smart meter installation program, yet the utility has already received 1,000 calls from customers.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:40 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:40:16 GMT
After our story on fires sparked by the installation of PECO's so-called smart meter's, Pennsylvania's top utility regulator has asked what the energy company is doing to keep its customers safe.
After our story on fires sparked by the installation of PECO's so-called smart meter's, Pennsylvania's top utility regulator has asked what the energy company is doing to keep its customers safe.
Wednesday, May 8 2013 4:26 PM EDT2013-05-08 20:26:44 GMT
You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
You saw it only on FOX, a state representative so desperate to get away from investigative reporter Jeff Cole that he drove into traffic. Now, see what happened after our story aired.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 10:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 14:21:17 GMT
The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
The man behind the wheel of that car is a state representative. So, why is he darting into traffic, ducking our questions? Watch this exclusive report by FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 1:41 PM EDT2013-04-16 17:41:36 GMT
They go to school for years, with taxpayers helping to foot-the-bill, to become doctors, dentists and chiropractors. But years later, why do they owe Uncle Sam millions of dollars in school loans?
They go to school for years, with taxpayers helping to foot-the-bill, to become doctors, dentists and chiropractors. But years later, why do they owe Uncle Sam millions of dollars in school loans?
Monday, May 20 2013 10:13 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:13:08 GMT
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow.
A monstrous tornado at least a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:27:47 GMT
A century-old community staple in Cherry Hill was up for auction Monday. The Woodcrest Country Club has experienced some financial problems recently, and after efforts from the township and the Freeholders
Cherry Hill's Woodcrest Country Club went up for auction Monday, with a pending sale in place after an offer from a Marlton-based developer.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:13 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:13:26 GMT
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:33 GMT
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Monday, May 20 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:22:16 GMT
Tuesday morning will feature another round patchy fog. It will be a mild and muggy start with temps in the mid 60s for the city and around 60 for the suburbs. Look for more clouds than sun with highs the low 80s. There could be a few spotty showers during the day.
