The National Weather Service warns that the warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific will result in an above average number of winter storms that will affect the mid-Atlantic region. PJM Interconnection, which manages the high voltage power grid for 13 states and the District of Columbia, has sufficient resources to meet forecasted demand for electricity this winter.

As the approach of winter brings inclement weather such as the continuous cold rain experienced the first days of December, Pepco reminds customers that it has payment programs for customers who may be experiencing financial conditions that make it difficult to keep their accounts current during 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. 

"When customers encounter difficulties paying their energy bills, we urge them to contact us for assistance," said Donna Cooper, Pepco Region president. "We value our customers and will work with them to develop payment plans that are designed to keep their accounts current."

Special Payment Arrangements:

Pepco has a variety of individually tailored payment arrangements available for customers aimed at bringing their accounts up to date over a mutually agreed 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:

     o   View and pay their bills

     o   Sign up for eBill (paperless billing)

     o   Get e-mail notification when bills are ready

     o   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:

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.

• LIHEAP: Energy assistance is available to qualified customers through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. There are also programs specific to jurisdictions that Pepco operates in the District of Columbia and Maryland.
• RAD:Customers in the District can also be eligible for the Residential Aid Discount Program (RAD), a program that provides eligible customers reduced rates for their electricity service. Only District of Columbia customers certified by the District Department of Energy and the Environment are eligible for RAD.
• EUSP: Customers in Maryland can be eligible for various low income programs such as the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, Electric Universal Service Program and Utility Service Protection Plan.

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.