For Immediate Release
Contact
WASHINGTON - The extremely high winds and heavy snow in the Pepco service territory has caused a large number of power outages.
Restoration efforts continue today and will continue around the clock until all power has been restored. The strong winds and snow have caused significant damage including fallen tree limbs and whole trees which have brought down power lines and damaged utility poles.
As of 10:00 a.m. today, Pepco has approximately 92,000 customers without power. The majority of these outages are in Montgomery County but there are growing outages throughout the District of Columbia and Prince Georges County. The scattered nature of the outages, combined with high wind gusts, continues to make restoration efforts more difficult.
Due to the road conditions across the service territory, travel time to restoration points is slowed. We continue to work with the the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's counties for assistance in getting to the major outages.
We encourage customers to check back periodically to get updated restoration information but they must realize that outages may be extended and should make plans accordingly.
Pepco strongly urges everyone to follow these important safety tips:
o Never touch a downed or damaged power line. Do not attempt to move downed or damaged power lines with branches, boards, etc. Again, Stay away from downed lines and report them immediately.
o Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility line. Assume all objects touching a power line are energized. o If using a portable generator during a power outage, always operate it outside. Do not operate a portable generator near doors, windows or in garages to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from entering the house. o Make sure your home has a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and won't work if there is an outage. o Customers who need electric-powered life-support equipment should have a back-up power source or an evacuation plan. Relatives or friends who care for someone who is elderly or infirm should check to make sure back-up plans are in place in case of a power outage. Remember: PHI cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. o Customers should watch out for facilities that are opened up by the District and the Counties as shelters and warmth centers.
o Never attempt to remove trees or limbs from any utility line. Assume all objects touching a power line are energized.
o If using a portable generator during a power outage, always operate it outside. Do not operate a portable generator near doors, windows or in garages to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from entering the house.
o Make sure your home has a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and won't work if there is an outage.
o Customers who need electric-powered life-support equipment should have a back-up power source or an evacuation plan. Relatives or friends who care for someone who is elderly or infirm should check to make sure back-up plans are in place in case of a power outage. Remember: PHI cannot guarantee uninterrupted service.
o Customers should watch out for facilities that are opened up by the District and the Counties as shelters and warmth centers.
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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 750,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
