Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. line crews have been kept extremely busy by scattered thunderstorms that have popped up across the company's 29-county service area the last two days.

Since Tuesday (6/11), PP&L crews have restored power to more than 21,000 customers, and responded to more than 300 instances of problems caused by lightning or high winds.

"The storms have been on-and-off across the service area. It seems that as soon as we get one area cleared up, we have another area with problems," noted Robert M. Geneczko, PP&L's vice president for Electrical Systems.

"Available line crews have been responding as quickly as possible to reports of power outages. With little change in the weather pattern expected today, we remain ready to repair damage wherever storms hit," he added.

Thunderstorms can cause power outages several ways. Lightning may strike electrical equipment. It also may strike trees, causing them to fall across power lines. Thunderstorms typically contain high winds, which may topple trees or large branches into power lines.

Geneczko said that although PP&L monitors weather conditions, it relies on customer calls to pinpoint the location and the source of power outages.

PP&L customers who lose power during a storm can call the company toll-free at 1-800-DIAL PPL (1-800-342-5775). PP&L's automated AnswerLine service lets customers report power outages quickly, without having to wait for an available customer service representative.

If you see a wire on the ground during or after a storm, do not go near it. Call PP&L's toll-free number to report the problem and the company will send a crew to the scene as quickly as possible.