“Pepco is ready.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood

“With significant heavy, wet snow and high winds forecasted to hit the region this evening, Pepco is ready.

Pepco has opened our storm center. More than 2,500 employees and contractors are now preparing to respond to customer needs, repair potential storm damage, and safely restore service as quickly as possible. We are also working to secure additional local contractors and will be receiving additional support from our sister utility, ComEd, in Chicago.

Pepco has been mobilizing field and support personnel to be ready to respond to any potential service interruptions that may be caused by the possibility of heavy, wet snow and high wind gusts that can bring tree limbs down onto power lines and electric delivery equipment.

“Safety is a priority at Pepco, and we want our customers to remain safe by preparing for this winter storm in the event there are power outages,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco regional president. “We also want to remind all customers, including those with smart meters, to report their outages to Pepco by calling 1-877- PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) or reporting online through mobile devices.”

Outages and downed wires may be reported at Pepco.com and through mobile devices. Customers can find information on preparing for winter weather and other emergency events at the storm center on Pepco.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via Pepco’s social media sites Twitter and Facebook.

Customers with special needs who are dependent on electricity for medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.

Pepco’s restoration priorities are public safety and critical care facilities, such as 911centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest. Clearing fallen tree debris, snow- blocked roads, and safety limitations on the use of bucket trucks during periods of high sustained winds, can be factors in restoration progress.

Prior to the arrival of the winter storm, Pepco requests that customers identify the location of outside utility equipment, such as electric meters, that could be covered in snow and may be susceptible to damage from snow shovels and mechanized snow removal equipment. Please keep outside meters clear of ice and snow. Use a broom or brush to gently clear the area around the meter of anything blocking it, including debris, ice and snow. Do not melt ice or snow on meters with a heat source, and do not chip or scrape ice. These methods can damage or break the meter. It is also important to remove icicles that hang over the meter and can drip freezing water that may damage equipment.”