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.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:39 GMT
An ugly business stained with sex, drugs and violence is exploding on the Internet. It's called sex trafficking, and it happens right here in our area.
An ugly business stained with sex, drugs and violence is exploding on the Internet. It's called sex trafficking, and it happens right here in our area.
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, 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?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:28 GMT
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:05 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:05:45 GMT
Flyers forward Jakub Voracek was involved in a serious car crash Wednesday morning in the Czech Republic.Voracek, 23, did not suffer any injuries, according to a brief statement issued by the Flyers general
Flyers forward Jakub Voracek was involved in a serious car crash Wednesday morning in the Czech Republic.Voracek, 23, did not suffer any injuries, according to a brief statement issued by the Flyers general
