What SCI Mercer’s All‑Electric Power System Means for Visitors and Families
Planning a visit or trying to reach someone at SCI Mercer during bad weather? The facility's power setup actually matters. Here's what the Pennsylvania DOC says about how the institution runs, what backup power exists, and how to get accurate information if normal routines get disrupted.
SCI Mercer is unusual: according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, it operates solely on electrical power. Electricity isn't just part of how the institution runs - it's the foundation of daily operations.
The DOC notes that SCI Mercer has two large generators on-site, located outside the perimeter fence. Their purpose: maintain essential services if the power fails. So while the institution is all-electric under normal conditions, backup generation keeps critical functions running when the main supply goes down.
According to the DOC, those generators exist to maintain "essential services" during a power failure. The agency doesn't publish a detailed list of exactly which services are covered. Your safest bet is to contact the facility directly to find out what's running normally during any outage.
During emergencies, rules and routines can shift quickly. DOC policy allows for this - the Secretary of the Pennsylvania DOC (or a designee) may suspend any provision of the Community Corrections policy for a specific period during an emergency or extended disruption. What does this mean for families? Even if you're used to a regular visit schedule, an emergency can temporarily override business as usual. Canceled visits, changed procedures, delayed operations - these may result from an official suspension during the disruption.
Advice for Families
- ✓ Contact SCI Mercer directly if you have questions about visitation or current operations, especially after a power outage or other disruption.
- ✓ If you can’t get what you need from the facility, email the DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov for up-to-date guidance.
Note: During emergencies, DOC leadership can suspend normal provisions for a specific period. If you're unsure whether visits are running, contact the facility or DOC Central Office for current status.
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