Walks on the beach, fun in the sun, and picnics with friends and family is what makes summer so special for outdoor enthusiasts; but the change of season also brings the chance for severe weather.

Enhancing the Energy Grid

The Pepco Holdings utilities, including Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power, and Pepco, spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year modernizing the local energy grid with new devices and more enhanced equipment to provide safe and reliable service for customers all year long. Our work to prepare for summer is no different.

This work includes inspecting and upgrading equipment like switches, poles and other devices, installing stronger, tree-resistant overhead cable, and trimming trees, which cause about 40 percent of power outages for customers each year. We are using innovative technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service more quickly or isolate damage. This work is essential in helping to prevent those outages that can be prevented.

Our reliability enhancement work has resulted in fewer power outages, and if outages did occur, customers were restored faster than ever before.

The Power of an Extended Network

Keeping our core promise to customers is an ongoing process, requiring work, investment, and planning, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse and puts extra pressure on our energy grid. 

As an Exelon company, we share best practices with our sister utilities – BGE, ComEd, and PECO – and participate in collaborative emergency response training exercises to ensure we can provide seamless support and resources during a storm or emergency restoration effort.

Our summer readiness program includes conducting emergency response drills and testing of computer and emergency systems. Employees from across the companies, including those who work in the field and those who provide office support, review emergency processes and procedures to help ensure a safe and efficient storm response.

Customer Preparedness

As we prepare for summer, we encourage customers to also prepare. Before severe weather hits, customers should:

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, special needs items, and a list of emergency phone numbers.
• Have a three-day supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare nonperishable foods.
• Identify a safe alternate location in case of an extended outage.
• Charge cell phones and mobile devices.
• Download our mobile app to report outages or other service issues and stay up to date should summer storms cause a service interruption.

Additionally, customers can save energy and lower their bills this summer by following a few simple tips:

• Turn it off: Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
• Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. Raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat to save even more. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the home’s temperature settings when away or sleeping.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed: About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply closing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat in your home.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air: For those without air conditioning, use ceiling fans or portable fans with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into your home. For those with air conditioning, fans can be used to evenly distribute cool air.
• Use appliances wisely: Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers, ovens, and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.

By taking a few simple steps, together we can be ready, stay safe, stay cool, and use less energy this summer.

Check out how our crews repair downed wires by clicking https://vimeopro.com/lmiiipro/how-to-repair-a-down-wire.