How PECO Is Building a More Reliable, Affordable, and Innovative Energy Future for Greater Philadelphia
Powering Innovation for America’s Next Chapter
Philadelphia has long been defined by innovation and leadership—from its role as the birthplace of American democracy to its legacy as a center of industrial and technological progress. As the city and region celebrates the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, PECO—one of the oldest and largest utility companies in the United States—continues that tradition, demonstrating that innovation and affordability are not competing priorities, but essential partners in building a stronger, more resilient region.
For nearly 150 years, PECO has played a central role in powering Greater Philadelphia and supporting its growth through every era of change. Today, the company delivers electric service to nearly 1.7 million customers and natural gas service to more than 556,000 customers across more than 2,100 square miles of southeastern Pennsylvania. At its core, PECO is guided by a simple but critical understanding: reliable, safe and accessible energy is fundamental to daily life—and that responsibility informs every investment and operational decision.
That commitment is evident in PECO’s sustained reinvestment in its energy infrastructure. These improvements strengthen reliability, enhance safety and elevate service quality, while laying the groundwork for a more modern, flexible and resilient energy system. They also reinforce PECO’s role as a long-term community partner—one focused not only on today’s performance, but on the region’s future.
Reliability Backed by Action
Innovation depends on reliability. As artificial intelligence, digital technologies, electric vehicles and renewable energy reshape how energy is produced and consumed, the power grid must be ready to deliver—every day, in every neighborhood. For PECO, reliability is not an abstract aspiration; it is the foundation of how the company is preparing the region for what comes next.
Across its system, PECO is making targeted, data-informed investments to strengthen the grid where it matters most. By closely analyzing system performance and risk, the company prioritizes upgrades that reduce outages, harden infrastructure against severe weather and improve customer experience.
That strategy is producing measurable results. Through extensive inspections, advanced technologies and ongoing infrastructure work, PECO crews are identifying and addressing issues before customers are impacted—often preventing outages altogether. Even amid increasingly severe weather, customers are experiencing fewer disruptions and faster restoration when outages do occur. This consistent performance places PECO among the highest-performing electric utilities nationwide.
Those outcomes are driven by real investments in local communities. A new substation in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia is now delivering more dependable electric service to families and businesses across Philadelphia and Montgomery counties. In Upper Darby, a significant upgrade to the electric system is strengthening reliability for customers throughout Delaware County.
At the neighborhood level, targeted natural gas projects are expanding access to safe, affordable energy—bringing service to households that previously lacked it and advancing PECO’s commitment to energy equity. Each project represents a tangible improvement in safety, reliability and quality of service for the communities PECO serves.
Looking ahead, PECO is building on this momentum with a multi year investment strategy across both its electric and natural gas systems. Every improvement—whether replacing underground cable, upgrading meters or modernizing substations—plays a role in enabling Greater Philadelphia’s energy future. These investments support expanded solar generation, electric vehicle charging and broader electrification across the region. PECO is not just maintaining today’s grid; it is purposefully building the one the region will rely on for decades to come.
Keeping Energy Affordable and Accessible
A reliable grid alone is not enough. Innovation must also be accessible. PECO’s approach to modernization is therefore inseparable from its commitment to affordability and energy equity.
As the company invests to strengthen reliability and resilience, it remains focused on managing costs responsibly for customers. Each decision is evaluated through a long-term lens—ensuring that infrastructure improvements deliver sustained value, help limit future costs and balance near-term affordability with long-term performance.
PECO also offers one of the most comprehensive customer assistance programs in Pennsylvania, providing income-qualified customers with access to past-due balance forgiveness, energy efficiency resources, hardship grants and referrals to additional support services. These programs ensure that help is available for customers who need it most.
As a leading economic and community partner, PECO also supports the vitality of the region beyond energy delivery. The company invests in local suppliers, strengthens community partnerships and supports education and workforce development initiatives that promote a more equitable economy. Through apprenticeships, job training programs and long-standing community collaborations, PECO is helping build the skilled workforce required to support the grid of the future—creating sustainable careers that will power the region for generations.
Building a Grid for the Next 250 Years
Philadelphia has always been a city that builds for the long term. From the founding of the nation to its evolution as a hub of industry and innovation, the region’s most enduring institutions have shared a common trait: the vision to invest ahead of the need.
PECO is no exception. With roots dating back to 1881 and a direct connection to the dawn of electrification, the company has navigated every major transformation in America’s energy landscape—from gaslamps to today’s smart grid—by maintaining a steadfast commitment to the communities it serves. PECO’s role has always gone beyond delivering energy; it has been about reliability, partnership and trust through every chapter of the region’s history.
As Philadelphia marks the Nation’s 250th Anniversary, PECO stands as one of its most enduring institutions. The company has powered homes, businesses, schools and critical infrastructure through generations of change and is well positioned to do so far into the future. While challenges such as aging infrastructure, volatile weather and rising energy demand persist, PECO’s commitment to innovation, investment and community partnership continues to guide its path forward.
The focus remains clear: to provide safe, reliable and accessible energy—while helping to build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future for Greater Philadelphia, not just for today, but for the next 250 years.
