Pittsburgh, PA − May 9, 2025 − Today, Senator Lindsey M. Williams issued this statement applauding the announcement that the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission is launching a review following last week’s storm that left more than half a million customers without power and caused widespread property damage:
“Since last Tuesday’s storm, my office has received numerous calls from residents who went for more than a week without power. Without electricity, people have been unable to store or cook food, use life-sustaining medical devices, access safe water, or attend work and school.
I take these complaints very seriously. These severe weather events are only becoming worse and more frequent, and we need to have an electrical grid that is more resilient and able to meet our needs, as well as an emergency response plan that is ready to respond to increasingly severe weather.
I met with the PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank this week in Harrisburg to share your stories and I am grateful to hear that the PUC is beginning this investigation. A formal review is necessary to determine what went right, what went wrong, and how we can be better prepared next time. I am committed to working with Duquesne Light, First Energy, and the PUC to ensure that our grid and our emergency response plan are ready to meet the demands of the changing climate.
I want to thank the line workers, tree crews, and other electrical workers who have been working around the clock since April 29th to restore power to Allegheny County. Your efforts have been exceptional, and we cannot thank you enough for your hard work.”
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