FOX 29 was the first to tell you about fires that started after the installation of PECO's new smart meters. The utility stopped installing them about a month ago.
One of the questions we have been getting over and over again from PECO customers is why am I getting a new meter if PECO has halted the program?
According to what PECO has told FOX 29 and state regulators, if installers have appeared at your home they are switching one smart meter for another.
As part of its investigation of repeated incidents of overheating, PECO is replacing some meters made by the Sensus Co. with those manufactured by Landis and GYR.
It's the Sensus meters which have overheated, and PECO is trying to figure out if Landis and GYR meters will perform better.
PECO says it expects to restart all smart meter installations, but not before early October when it has more information on the problems.
In the meantime the numbers look like this:
200,000 smart meters have been installed locally;
there have been 29 incidents of overheating;
15 of those incidents remain under investigation for cause.
there have also been two fires which have caused property damage.
PECO says it has put new safety features in its Sensus meters and has brought in experts to help them get to the bottom of all this, Cole reported.
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?
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
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.
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 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 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.
