​Washington, D.C. (Nov. 12, 2019) – Ahead of forecasted near record low temperatures, Pepco has taken essential steps to ready the local energy grid to provide customers with safe and reliable energy service this winter. The local energy company has completed hundreds of projects and tasks, including performing maintenance and inspections, targeted upgrades, and other critical work all to meet the energy needs of customers across the area.

"Each day, we work hard to further enhance reliability for our valued customers and to fortify the electric system against severe weather," said Donna Cooper, Pepco region president. "Our preparation efforts are essential to providing the reliable service our customers deserve and expect, but also ensuring that we are prepared to respond safely and quickly when customers need us this winter. It's this seasonal preparation, as well as year-round investments in the reliability and resiliency of the system, that has helped us deliver some of the most reliable service in the company's history in recent years. We recognize that we have more work to do and our work continues."

On the local electric grid, preparation includes inspecting and upgrading equipment; trimming trees, which cause about 30 percent of power outages; building new underground equipment; and installing stronger, tree-resistant aerial cable. Pepco also continues to install smart technology that can automatically identify the location of damage, restore service more quickly, or isolate damage. Ongoing investments in the local energy grid have resulted in a 23 percent decrease in the frequency of service interruptions across the District and a 37 percent decrease in the frequency of service interruptions in Maryland.

Pepco's preparation efforts also include conducting emergency response drills, testing computer and emergency systems, reviewing emergency processes and procedures, and coordinating closely with government and community partners. The company also participates in collaborative emergency response exercises with its Exelon sister companies – Atlantic City Electric, BGE, ComEd, PECO and Delmarva Power – to ensure each can provide seamless support during a storm. During last year's winter storms, and a recent hurricane season that impacted the southeastern seaboard, this coordination allowed mutual assistance crews to quickly respond and support power restoration efforts in the hardest hit parts of the East Coast.

Just as Pepco prepares, customers should also prepare.

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include battery-powered radio or TV, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, medications, multi-purpose tool, cell phones with chargers, and list of important and emergency phone numbers.
• Apply insulation, caulking, and weather stripping around your home to keep out the cold.
• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
• 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 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 Pepco's app at pepco.com/mobileapp to keep informed during a storm.
  

Being prepared is a responsibility everyone should take seriously. If a severe storm hits, monitor local weather reports regularly and follow the advice of local emergency management officials. Immediately report a downed wire or service issue by calling 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) , visiting pepco.com, or through the company's mobile app.

More tips, resources and safety information are available at pepco.com/storm. 

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, Pepco's online news room. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Pepco's mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.