Utility Asks Customers to Make Preparations

WASHINGTON - Pepco is closely monitoring the wintry mix of heavy wet snow, strong winds and steady rain forecasted for the Washington Metro Area. The National Weather Service predicts that from approximately midnight to 3 a.m. Thursday, the Washington Metro Area will experience a period of heavy wet snow with strong winds. Accumulations of 1-3 inches are expected, particularly in Montgomery County where a Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect until early tomorrow morning.

Heavy wet snow can weigh down tree limbs bringing them into contact with power lines causing power outages. Also, the combination of wet snow and heavy rain can saturate the soil causing trees already weakened by previous storms to fall onto power lines and equipment causing power outages.

Pepco Adds Crews

In anticipation of the inclement weather, Pepco has scheduled additional line personnel and vegetation crews for this evening and through tomorrow morning. Pepco will continue to monitor the weather and customer outage activity and can adjust its resource plans accordingly through the evening

Customers Urged to Prepare and Be Safe

Pepco urges its customers to prepare for potential power outages and act to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:

Preparation Tips

· Have adequate prescription medicines or infant supplies on hand.

· If you or someone you know uses life-support equipment that requires electricity to operate, identify a location with emergency power capabilities and make plans to go there during a prolonged outage.

· Assemble an emergency "storm kit." Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.

· Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.

· Have 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.

· Protect your electronic equipment. Unplug sensitive electronics or plug computers and other sensitive equipment into surge suppressors, and consider a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for temporary battery backup power.

· Turn off power to flood-prone basement appliances if it is safe to do so. However, if you have an electrically operated sump pump, you should not turn off your power.

Safety Tips

· Tune in to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.

· Follow the advice of your local emergency management officials.

· Take cover if necessary.

· Stay away from downed wires.

· Call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) and press "2" to report a downed wire.

· To report an outage, call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) and press "1" for the automated system.

Additional information may be found at www.pepco.com.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 778,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.