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.
Friday, June 7 2013 11:24 PM EDT2013-06-08 03:24:19 GMT
In the days after the building collapse that killed six people and injured more than a dozen in Center City, officials are shedding light on some things that happened before the disaster.
In the days after the building collapse that killed six people and injured more than a dozen in Center City, officials are shedding light on some things that happened before the disaster. And they're promising to make sure they don't happen again.
Thursday, June 6 2013 11:07 PM EDT2013-06-07 03:07:14 GMT
A top, local school official voluntarily resigns after a district investigation. FOX 29 Investigates broke the story. Find out how much it cost taxpayers.
A top, local school official voluntarily resigns after a district investigation. FOX 29 Investigates broke the story. Find out how much it cost taxpayers.
Thursday, June 6 2013 7:58 PM EDT2013-06-06 23:58:23 GMT
FOX 29 wants to know who applied for the permits to tear down that building, and who was checking up on this job? Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole is working to get us answers.
FOX 29 wants to know who applied for the permits to tear down that building, and who was checking up on this job? Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole is working to get us answers.
Tuesday, May 28 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-05-28 15:19:52 GMT
A local elected official hits the gas again when FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole tries to ask him a few questions about why a ghost worker was on his staff.
A local elected official hits the gas again when FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole tries to ask him a few questions about why a ghost worker was on his staff.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:50:29 GMT
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing jueveniles hoping that someone will recongize them and know thier whereabouts. The following information is directly from a
The Camden County Police Department has released the photos of two missing jueveniles hoping that someone will recongize them and know thier whereabouts. The following information is directly from a
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:52:58 GMT
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:36:01 GMT
Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Today is National Dine Out Day! Over 2,000 restaurants are participating and locally, the funds raise will go to support Hurricane Sandy victims and relief efforts. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:22:31 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:44 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:44:27 GMT
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:38:47 GMT
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:15 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:15:45 GMT
AP PHOTO
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:38:35 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.