PECO Urges Customers to Act Now as Severe Heat Wave Approaches

For Immediate Release

PECO Urges Customers to Act Now as Severe Heat Wave Approaches

Customers should act now to make their home more energy efficient and manage energy usage wisely

Note: PECO will have regional representatives available for interviews throughout the heat wave.

PHILADELPHIA (June 30, 2026) - With an intense and potentially dangerous heat wave expected this week, increased energy usage will drive higher bills. PECO is encouraging customers to prepare now by taking simple steps to use energy more efficiently and manage cooling costs. Through year-round maintenance and investments in the energy system, PECO is further enhancing reliability to help customers experience minimal disruptions during the summer when energy demand is the highest.

This proactive work includes infrastructure upgrades and grid modernization work to further reinforce the local energy grid against the increased frequency of damaging storms. As part of this work and in preparation for the summer season, PECO tested systems, processes, and procedures, and completed more than 200 projects and initiatives across the region to ensure customers stay powered this summer and through the expected heat wave.

PECO encourages customers to consider the following energy-saving actions:

• Turn it off: Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
• Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home and increase by 7 degrees when no one is home. Start with an indoor temperature between 75-78 degrees during the day. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you are away or sleeping.
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed: In the summer, consider closing window coverings to reduce heat gain. For natural light, open window coverings that don't get direct sunlight.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air: Ceiling fans are the most effective type of circulating fan. They help improve comfort year-round by effectively circulating air throughout a room. In the summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze.
• Service your AC: Make sure to replace or clean the air filters for your cooling system at least once a month (or as often as recommended by the manufacturer) and have your system serviced regularly. It can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5-15 percent.
• Choose Energy-Efficient Products: When buying new cooling equipment, select energy-efficient products. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new products.
• Weatherize Your Home: Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to reduce cooling costs and increase comfort.
• Use appliances wisely: Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers, ovens, and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.
• Secure Windows: Be sure to securely shut and lock windows when turning on the central air conditioner. Windows will only make a proper seal when they are locked.

PECO also offers energy efficiency programs to help residential and business customers reduce use and lower costs. Customers can schedule a Home Energy Assessment, where a certified energy advisor inspects the home, identifies energy waste, and installs free energy-saving products during the visit. Commercial customers can also take advantage of PECO's energy efficiency programs and access instant lighting discounts, incentives for high-efficiency equipment, building assessments, and energy analyses to identify savings opportunities.

PECO has the highest customer assistance program participation in the state to help customers manage their energy bills. Income-qualified programs are available to help customers with past-due balance forgiveness, energy efficiency measures, hardship grants, and referrals for other services. The company also helps connect customers with programs that provide grant assistance for outstanding balances, like LIHEAP. For more information about assistance programs, customers can visit peco.com/Help.

Customers can visit peco.com/Summer to learn more about how summer weather can impact energy use and bills, access tools to track and manage their account, and explore energy-saving tips and financial assistance options.