​Safe, reliable and affordable energy service remains top priority as many Americans face challenging times

WASHINGTON, DC. (December 6, 2022) — With colder temperatures now upon the region, and as customers begin using more energy to heat their homes and businesses, Pepco remains committed to delivering safe and reliable energy service, while helping every customer keep energy costs manageable. Pepco is working to manage the increasing costs of energy supply, knowing the overall higher costs of goods and services and the effects of inflation continue to present challenging times for customers. 

"We know that rising energy costs and the costs of other goods and services are becoming an increasing challenge for our customers," said Tamla Olivier, chief operating officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Pepco. "We recognize our customers rely on us to keep the lights on and their homes and businesses heated, no matter what we may confront.  Our team is constantly working to strengthen and secure the local energy grid against severe weather and to help keep our customers connected when they need us most."

As winter approaches, Pepco is readying the local energy grid by performing essential work to help meet increased customer demand and keep homes and businesses warm and bright all season long. This work includes hardening the system to increase reliability and performing maintenance and inspections to prepare for severe weather. On the electric grid, this work includes inspecting and upgrading equipment; trimming trees, building new underground equipment; and installing stronger, tree-resistant aerial cable. Pepco also continues to install smart technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service faster or isolate damage.

Just as Pepco prepares, the company encourages customers also to be ready for severe weather and offers the following tips:

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include battery-powered radio, flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multi-purpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers.
• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available to last at least 72 hours.
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
• Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.
• Review the manufacturer's instructions for safe operations of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home's wiring. Never use a generator indoors or any enclosed area.
• Download our mobile app at pepco.com/MobileApp and visit our website at pepco.com/StormPrep for more tips on how you can prepare.
  

Pepco understands some customers may use more energy to power their homes through the winter. To help, Pepco offers the following tips to help lower customer energy costs:

• 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.
• Install energy efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.
• 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, if health permits. A few degrees could mean 10 percent savings or more on your monthly bill.
• Adjust your blinds. Keep your blinds up during the day to capture the radiant heating benefits of the sun. Close your blinds and curtains after the sun goes down to keep the cold air out and the heat in.

Pepco recognizes its responsibility to help all customers use less energy by working to keep bills as low as possible and connecting customers with available assistance. Customers can contact Pepco at 202-833-7500 to discuss payment arrangements or visit pepco.com/EnergyAssistance to learn more about energy assistance options.

In addition to payment arrangements and energy assistance support, Pepco has many programs that can help customers manage their monthly energy bill, including Budget Billing, which averages payments over a 12-month period. The company also offers energy efficiency programs and energy saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage. Information regarding these programs can be found at pepco.com/WaysToSave.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, Pepco's online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/PepcoConnect on Twitter at twitter.com/PepcoConnect. Pepco's mobile app is available at pepco.com/MobileApp.