Energy giant, PECO, says it will keep its smart meter installation program on-hold until at least early October. A PECO executive made that announcement Thursday while under questioning from members of the state's Public Utility Commission.
The Commission called the PECO executive to Harrisburg to answer questions about its troubled smart meter installation program. Joining Mike Innocenzo, PECO's Senior Vice President of Operations, were representatives of smart meter manufacturers.
PECO halted the installation of over one million smart meters last month after a series of overheating incidents and two fires.
PECO now says it has had a total of 29 incidents of meter overheating. The company says, to date, the meter has not been responsible for any of the incidents in which it has found a cause. It says 15 overheating cases remain under investigation. These numbers represent an increase of three overheating incidents in less than a week's time.
Innocenzo told commissioners the company expects it will be able to re-start meter installations, but indicated that would not occur until the utility understood the cause of the problems and was convinced safety concerns had been answered.
So far it has been meters made by the Sensus company of North Carolina which have overheated. Sensus executive, Joe McCormick, told regulators the company is working with PECO to find answers.
PECO says the installation of 1.6 million smart meters is the largest technology investment in company history.
During Thursday's hearing, commissioners seemed supportive of the program and PECO's handling of the problems. Commissioners did not aggressively question the executives, but did appear to indicate concern the smart meter installations will not make a 2014 deadline.
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?
Friday, May 24 2013 10:26 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:26:18 GMT
Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.Police say the incident happened just before 11P.M. on May 19th on the 6000 block of Wister Street.The suspect
Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:01 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:01:49 GMT
Kasey's bark may be worse than her bite. But Hamilton Township Police say the crook who tried to rob Draper Ellis late Thursday afternoon at his "May's Landing Auto Parts Store" didn't stick around
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:40:06 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
