​WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2020) – As individuals, families and communities continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pepco is further extending the policies put in place to support customers during this time, including suspending service disconnections, waiving new late fees and reconnecting customers who were previously disconnected.  The policies will now be in place until at least July 1.

"We're managing through difficult times with lots of uncertainty," said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings. "By continuing these policies to keep energy service on and prevent additional fees, we want to provide our customers with a little more certainty in their lives. We want to make sure our customers have power and to offer support to those who may be struggling to make ends meet as we move through this crisis together."

Customers who may be challenged in paying their bill should contact Pepco Customer Care as soon as possible at 202-833-7500. As of May 15, the company has already established more than 1,445 customized payment arrangement plans helping customers manage the financial challenges of the pandemic. The company also has reconnected energy service for 345 customers where it was safe to do so.

Pepco has extended customer support programs for all customers in the District of Columbia and for residents and small business across its Maryland service area. Pepco will continue to work with customers to waive late payment fees, maintain energy service, discuss reconnections, and determine eligibility for assistance programs. Pepco representatives can also discuss payment options, like Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, or flexible payment arrangements that offer individually tailored payment installment plans. 

In March, Pepco was among the first companies in the nation to suspend service disconnections and waive new late payment charges for all customers. The company expanded support shortly thereafter to reconnect customers who previously had their power disconnected. Customers who have had their electric service previously disconnected should contact the company at 202-833-7500 to begin the reconnection process.

More information about the company's energy assistance programs can be found at pepco.com/energyassistance.

Pepco is also taking steps to help customers use energy more efficiently, providing useful tips that can help every customer save money by using less energy. Following a few simple tips can help customers save 20 percent or more on their monthly energy bill:

• Manage your bill on My Account . Online energy management tools show you how much energy you are using. The bill to date feature lets you know what your bill costs are to date at any time during the month. You can also get tips based on your energy saving goals.
• Unplug unused electrical devices when you leave a room. Chargers use energy when left plugged in after your device is fully charged.
• Check your thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, and higher in the summer, if health permits.
• Adjust your blinds. Raise your blinds in the winter to let warm sunlight into your home, and lower the blinds in the summer to keep cool air inside.
• Dust or vacuum radiators. Dust and grime impede the flow of heat; keeping them clean helps radiators maintain their efficiency.
• Your water heater is the third highest energy expense in your home. If the water temperature is set at 140°F, turning it down to 130°F will save a few dollars each month.
• Using a microwave to cook meals uses about half the energy of a conventional oven.
• Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot can save you about $50 per year.
  

More helpful tips and information can be found at pepco.com/saveenergy.

Customers in the District are also encouraged to take part in "Reduce Energy Use DC," a united effort with environmental, business and community groups and the District's leadership to educate DC residents on ways they can use energy more efficiently, take steps to reduce energy use at home, and save money while helping fight climate change. District residents can learn more at ReduceEnergyUseDC.com. 

Readers are encouraged to visit visit The Source, Pepco's online newsroom. For more information about Pepco, visit pepco.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Our mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.