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Summer readiness for a utility, PECO said, is based on arranging for adequate power supply with sufficient reserves, a robust and well-maintained transmission and distribution system, securing additional supplies of critical equipment, and updating training for employees on possible emergencies.

PECO said forecasts for its peak electric demand are slightly higher than last year, but below the all-time peak during the very hot summer of 2006. Additionally, PECO is working with its affiliate Exelon Generation and PJM Interconnection to ensure adequate power supplies to meet summer challenges. Based on normal weather, PECO expects a peak demand of 8,689 megawatts (MW), compared with 8,660 MW on Aug. 8, 2007 and its record peak of 8,932 MW in August 2006. One megawatt is enough electricity to power about 1,000 average homes.

"Our system and our people are ready for whatever summer brings us," said Craig Adams, PECO senior vice president and chief operating officer. "Electricity is an essential service no matter what time of the year. However, we know and understand how important reliable electric service is during the summer months. We've spent the time and money necessary to ensure we provide the quality service our customers know and expect."

With peak demand in the summer, the company must plan each year for increased supply capacity, system upgrades, and reliability improvements for certain areas for the Greater Philadelphia region. This year's completed summer readiness work is part of a $394 million capital plan for its delivery infrastructure improvements, including investments in new technology, expansion to meet increased demand, and accommodations for new residential and commercial business.

Electricity usage increases in the summer because of the increased energy required to operate air conditioners and other cooling appliances. A majority of a consumer's monthly bill, during the summer months, can be linked to the use of air conditioners and fans. Additionally, the summer heat causes cooling appliances, like refrigerators and freezers, to work harder.

PECO encourages customers to use energy wisely and look for ways to improve the efficiency of their home and cooling appliances. PECO offers a variety of energy and money saving tips on its Web site at www.peco.com/save.

The company also spent $2 million to install an additional 30 reclosers in Chester County for reliability improvement, particularly during storms or outages. Reclosers are devices that automatically sense a problem on the system, automatically isolate the troubled area, and reduce the number of affected customers.

PECO's summer readiness program ranges from inspection and maintenance of aerial and underground electrical equipment, substations and other facilities, infrastructure improvements, particularly in growing areas, emergency response drills and other training for employees, and maintenance and testing of various computer and other support systems.

Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE:EXC). PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 480,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs about 2,500 people in the region. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations.

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