WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pepco wants to remind customers it has payment programs for customers who may be experiencing financial conditions that make it difficult to keep their accounts current during  these cold weather stretches and higher usage periods. 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 is more than glad to provide help through difficult periods  throughout the year.

      "We urge customers to contact us to seek our assistance whenever they encounter payment difficulties,"  said Donna Cooper, Pepco Region president.  "By doing so, we are better able to work with our valued customers. We are here to help."

• Special Payment Arrangements: Pepco has a variety of individually tailored payment arrangements available for customers aimed at bringing their account up to date over a mutually agreeable period of time. Call (202) 833-7500 and follow the simple instructions or  speak with  a customer service representative.  

• 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 electric 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 that 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 incurring  a late charge so their bill due dates 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 may be available through state and local assistance programs. Customers can get more information on those programs by calling Pepco at (202) 833-7500.

To save energy and money, 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 take to conserve energy usage and how to monitor their energy consumption.

For more information and updates, visit www.pepco.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at PepcoConnect, and download our mobile app at www.pepco.com/mobileapp.