Delmarva Power enhances grid for reliable winter service

As winter nears, Delmarva Power is conducting essential infrastructure upgrades and maintenance to help ensure reliable energy service. This proactive work includes fortifying the local energy grid and integrating innovative smart technology to meet rising customer demand, and keep homes and businesses warm and well-lit throughout the season.

Over the next five years, Delmarva Power will be investing more than $2.7 billion in infrastructure improvements, grid expansion, equipment inspections and maintenance. These efforts will improve grid reliability and prepare the grid for more severe weather and higher customer demand. Work includes upgrading equipment, trimming trees, installing smart technologies that can automatically isolate damage and restore power, and expanding capacity to support cleaner energy options for customers.

“Our priority is helping ensure our customers have access to reliable energy to keep their homes and businesses safe and comfortable this winter season, and the tools they need to save energy and money,” said Tamla Olivier, chief operating officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “We’re not only enhancing our grid but also offering bill support and energy savings options to help customers manage costs and keep the lights on. Their experience and well-being are at the heart of everything we do."

Delmarva Power is making it easier for customers who may need support or those who want to get ahead of cold winter temperatures to connect to a wide range of assistance programs. The company’s new Assistance Finder tool can help customers discover the best programs that fit their needs, including financial assistance, bill management, and energy efficiency and savings information.

The company also provides tips and information to help customers better understand their bills and take control of their energy usage for better planning, consistency and budgeting. For more information, customers can visit delmarva.com/BillSupport.

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

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, flashlight, first-aid kit, blankets, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, multipurpose tool and list of important/emergency phone numbers
• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, nonperishable foods available to last at least 72 hours
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of the home
• Identify an alternate location for individuals and family members to gather in case of an extended outage
• Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of a home generator. Do not connect a generator directly to a home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors or in any enclosed area
• Those who rely on electricity to power life-support equipment in the home may enroll in the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program at delmarva.com/EMENP. This program provides advance notice of scheduled outages and severe weather alerts to qualified participants.

Before winter weather grips the region, go to delmarva.com/alerts and sign up to receive updates on energy usage and information regarding power outages.

For more tips and storm preparedness information, go to delmarva.com/StormPrep.