For Immediate Release
November 8, 2001

Pepco`s customers in 21 communities and neighborhoods in Montgomery and Prince George`s County, Md. and the District of Columbia will see utility tree trimming crews clearing power lines in November and December to help ensure safe, reliable electric service.

Pepco`s line-clearance program is designed to reduce the potential for power outages-especially during wind and ice storms-that result when trees grow into the lines. When tree limbs contact live wires they can cause short circuits and often cause the limbs and wires to burn and fall to the ground.

Crews trim two year`s growth between tree branches and power lines. This year, Pepco will spend about $8 million to clear the lines.

For homeowners planning landscaping projects, this is a good time to make sure any plantings around their property avoid utility clearances. If homeowners want to landscape under or near lines, local nurseries can recommend varieties that won`t grow into the lines and avoid the need for trimming.

The tree-trimming crews under contract to Pepco from Asplundh, Inc. follow International Society of Arboriculture standards, which are designed to maintain the health of trees.

Pepco removes from customer property the branches and debris that result from its line-clearance program.

In October and November, line-clearance crews will begin or continue work in the following communities:

• Montgomery County-Rockville, Shady Grove, Gaithersburg, Washington Grove, Montgomery Village, Glen Echo, Layhill, Norbeck, Colesville, Somerset, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, Aspen Hill.
• Prince George`s County-University Park, Cheverly, Upper Marlboro (west side), Fort Foote, Fort Washington.
• District of Columbia-American University Park, Tenleytown, Spring Valley.