May. 16, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) is pleased the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is taking a closer look at how utility companies responded to devastating storms in late April. The storms caused widespread damage and knocked out power to more than 500,000 people.
“More than two weeks after the storm I am hearing from residents who are still without power,” Shaffer said. “We also had schools closed and roads blocked for over a week by downed power lines. We need to learn from this to make sure our community members aren’t in the dark for this long when storms hit. We need a strong, resilient power grid. There are steps other regions have taken we can implement here.”
The PUC’s investigation will explore storm-related issues involving Duquesne Light and FirstEnergy utilities. The review will include:
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A detailed look at the outage causes, such as broken poles, downed wires, tree-related damage and off-right-of-way hazards.
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A review of how utility emergency response plans performed, including use of mutual aid, deployment of restoration crews and public communications.
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Recommendations for steps utilities, communities, residents and businesses can take to better prepare for future extreme weather.
“I look forward to the commission’s findings and to working on real solutions that improve storm response moving forward,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer has highlighted the need for public input into storm response in a video statement, where he called for his own review of how everyone can better prepare for and respond to storms in Pennsylvania.
“I’m committed to making sure we’re not just reacting to these storms, but actively preparing for the next one,” Shaffer said. “That means we need answers so we can protect our communities in the future.”
To view Shaffer’s remarks,
click here.
Representative Jeremy Shaffer
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepShafferPA.com / Facebook.com/RepShaffer