582 will be new area code for NW Pa.

December 22, 2010

HARRISBURG — Area code 582 is coming soon to a phone near you.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility said 582 will be the new area code for much of northwestern Pennsylvania starting in 2012, The Associated Press said.

Last week, the commission approved a plan to divide the 814 area code. The change will affect Erie, Crawford, Warren, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Elk and McKean counties.

Parts of Clearfield, Armstrong, Mercer and Indiana counties will also get the new area code, AP said.

The commission said Tuesday the new code is expected to take effect Feb. 1, 2012.

The 814 code will work for affected numbers for about six months after that.

The commission says the change is necessary because it’s projected to run out of telephone numbers for the area by early 2013.

Pennsylvania will have a total of 12 area codes following the split.