Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. continues to experience relatively few problems as a result of the deep snow, extremely cold temperatures and high winds.

As of 10 30 a.m. Monday (1/8) only about 160 of the utility's 1.2 million customers in Central Eastern Pennsylvania were without power.

Line crews were using heavy equipment where necessary to respond to reports of trouble. All of the company's emergency operations, including power plants and the Customer Contact Center, were staffed. Arrangements have been made to bong in additional personnel to relieve people who have worked through the night n storm duty.

All of PP&L's power plants were reported running well, and were not experiencing major problems with fuel supply. PP&L expects to have adequate generating capacity to meet customer demand, barring unforeseen major equipment problems.

Customer demand for electricity was light on Monday because many businesses and industries were closed. Generation reserves on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection, the regional power pool to which PP&L belongs, were adequate to meet customer demand.

Company officials noted that treacherous road conditions might delay response times, and asked customers to call the company only to report an emergency or a power outage. The number is 1-800-DIAL PPL (800-342-5775).

Officials also pointed out that heat pumps may operate at reduced efficiency if snow blocks the air flow of the outdoor unit. The company advised customers to clear snow away from their heat pumps, being careful not to damage the unit with the shovel.

Note to Editors: PP&L will continue to monitor the effects of the storm on the company's operations, and will issue another news release if the situation changes.