Pepco Update Regarding Forecasted Weather
Posted on: September 22, 2023 - 3:49pm
A coastal storm, with sustained winds between 25 to 30 mph and potential gusts up to 60 mph, periods of heavy rainfall, potential significant storm surge, and localized and coastal flooding, is forecasted to impact the Pepco service area early Saturday morning through Sunday morning.
The forecasted weather may down trees and tree limbs and cause damage to the local energy grid and result in power outages for customers.
Please know that we are committed to providing our customers with safe and reliable energy service and preventing those power outages that can be prevented. We are closely following the weather conditions. Our employees and local contractors remain ready to respond to any issues that may occur.
What are we doing?
- The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall may down trees and tree limbs and cause damage to equipment on the local energy grid, resulting in power outages for our customers.
- We are prepared for this event and have enhanced our staffing plans to ensure necessary resources are available to respond for our customers.
- In addition to internal line mechanics and other field workers, Pepco has local overhead line contractors and tree-trimming personnel available to assist in any restoration effort.
- The company also will have additional customer care representatives available to handle customer emergency and outage calls.
- Should Pepco need extra assistance, the company can call on shared resources from other nearby companies in the Exelon family.
- When storms and extreme weather hit, Pepco is prepared and dedicated to restoring service for our customers safely and as quickly as possible. Pepco personnel will work around the clock until every customer is restored.
- Every day throughout the year, Pepco has teams of employees, both in the field and back office, on call to respond quickly if needed to supplement the company’s 24x7 staffing.
What do we want customers to know/do?
- Just like we prepare for damage that may occur, we encourage our customers to prepare for any forecasted severe weather as well.
- Customers who need power for critical medical equipment should be prepared to relocate to a facility with electricity in case there is a power outage.
- Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
- Charge cell phones and other mobile devices. Consider backup chargers.
- Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
- More tips available at pepco.com/storm.
- If storm damage does occur:
- Always stay away from any storm damaged electrical equipment, especially downed power lines and tree limbs that may come into contact with power lines.
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives.
- Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. Read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
We encourage customers to report outages and downed wires.
- Safety is our top priority. We urge our customers to stay away from downed wires and other equipment and assume any downed wire or equipment is energized.
- To report an outage or downed wire, call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) or report and track through our mobile app or our website at pepco.com/storm.
- Customers can text “Out” to 48710 to report their outage.
- Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to 48710 to sign up for this service.
- Customers also can receive outage alerts by signing up online at pepco.com/Alerts.
- Customers also are encouraged to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect to get the latest information from the company.
Reporting Outages or Downed Wires; Requesting Call Backs
- Customers’ reports are vital to Pepco’s restoration efforts. Pepco also recommends that, when reporting an outage, customers request an automated call when their power is restored.
- Call backs allow Pepco to notify customers when work in their area is completed and they also help Pepco locate outages that may be specific to customers’ homes.