By Jack Firneno
Wire Staff Writer
In response to the Feb. 5 ice storm that caused the second-most power outages in PECO history, state Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery) proposed a public hearing to address concerns surrounding the outages.
“We need to know how we can better protect our infrastructure to minimize power outages during storms like this,” Stephens said. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
“Power outages are a public safety issue and we need to do all we can to avoid them.”
Rep. Robert Goodshall (R-Montgomery), chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, has agreed to the request.
“Five days after the storm, more than 13,000 Montgomery County households were still without power,” he said. “We must find more effective ways to protect people in these situations … The committee will explore potential solutions when it meets on this issue.”
The ice storm was second only to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 in terms of power outages. At the height of the storm, 185,000 Montgomery residents were without power.
Godshall said the public hearing will occur in Montgomery some time in early March.
Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery/Philadelphia) announced that residents of the 152nd District can call his office to report any damage from potholes or other fractures in asphalt and concrete on the roadways.
“If you give me the information, I will fast track it to PennDOT and make sure the trouble spots are reported directly to PennDOT’s repair teams,” Murt said.
Winter is often known as “Pothole Season.” It’s the time of year when temperature changes and salt to melt ice and snow leave the streets littered with dips and divots.
As water seeps into cracks in the pavement and expands and contracts with temperature changes, the pavement weakens and cracks open. This year’s severe weather is creating bigger and badder potholes on more roads than usual.
Murt advised people to call in with specific locations for the potholes. His office number is 215–674–3755.
