Resources Available for Customers Struggling to Pay Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pepco wants to reassure customers who might be affected by a threatened federal government shutdown Oct. 1 and are worrying about how they would manage their personal finances.

"We have a wide range of payment options that we offer customers and also offer to work individually with them on ways to manage their electric bills," said Donna Cooper, president, Pepco Region. "We want them to know they can always call us for help, and we routinely help customers who have trouble paying their bills. For those who for the first time might find themselves unable to pay their full balances each month, we want them to know how to reach out to us."

Standard bill payment options Pepco offers include:

• Special Payment Arrangements: For our customers who may be experiencing financial conditions that make it difficult to keep their accounts current, Pepco offers a variety of individually tailored payment arrangements aimed at bringing the account up-to-date over a mutually agreeable period of time. Many of these arrangements can be made directly over the phone by calling (202) 833-7500 and following the simple instructions or through a customer service representative. Either way, Pepco will be more than glad to provide help through difficult periods.
• Budget Billing: Customers can avoid seasonal peaks in electric bills by dividing their payments evenly over the course of the entire year. This plan makes it easier to budget and pay energy bills each month, because customers know their regular payment amount. To sign up for budget billing, customers can register either by calling Customer Service at (202) 833-7500 or online through My Account, a secure self-service option that will allow customers to:
  • View and pay their bills
  • Sign up for eBill (paperless billing)
  • Get e-mail notification when bills are ready
  • Take advantage of features than can help save energy. Once customers register for My Account, they just need to log in and click on the "Budget Billing" button.

• Extended Payment Date Plan: This allows residential customers whose main source of total household income is from government or other low-income entitlement programs to request a regular extension of their bill due dates without having to pay a late charge so they align with the dates they get their checks. To apply, call Pepco at (202) 833-7500 or submit the enrollment form online at pepco.com.
• Energy Assistance Programs: Some federal energy assistance programs might be affected by a federal government shutdown, but assistance also may be available through state and local assistance programs. Customers can get more information on those programs by calling Pepco at (202) 833-7500.

Pepco also has conservation programs and tips for customers to reduce energy consumption, which will mean lower monthly bills.

"We also want to help customers take control of their energy costs," Cooper said. "Tough economic times can affect customers, and we are here to help."

Customers can call Customer Service or visit our website at pepco.com/energy/conservation/ to learn more about programs to help pay for more energy-efficient products, simple steps they can can take to conserve energy usage and how to monitor their energy consumption.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 793,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.