Delmarva Power strengthens local energy grid

As stronger and more damaging storms resulting from climate change become more frequent across Delaware and Maryland, Delmarva Power is completing essential work to prepare the local energy grid to meet customer demand, and keep homes and businesses warm and powered this winter.

Employees are completing maintenance and inspections, as well as upgrades and critical repairs to prepare for winter weather. This work is an essential component of providing safe, reliable service for the company’s approximately 532,000 electric and 136,000 natural gas customers through the winter and beyond.

“We stay committed to providing our customers with safe, reliable and affordable energy service year-round and take the steps necessary to help prevent those outages that can be prevented,” said Doug Mokoid, Delmarva Power region president. “Through our proactive preparation to strengthen and secure the local energy grid this winter, we are taking the necessary steps to help ensure the safety of our communities, employees and contractors. Our team of line workers, engineers and others have worked hard throughout the pandemic and recent weather events to help strengthen our system and prepare for whatever we may face this winter season.”

On the local electric grid, preparation includes inspecting and upgrading equipment; trimming trees, which cause about 22 percent of power outages; building new underground equipment; and installing stronger, tree-resistant aerial cable. Delmarva Power also continues to install smart technology that can automatically identify the location of damage, restore service more quickly, or isolate damage. Over the past 10 years, these ongoing investments in the local energy grid have driven a 53 percent decrease in the frequency of electric outages.

Delmarva Power also has prepared its natural gas delivery system. Seasonal preparation and ongoing investments include completing more than 57,000 seasonal leak inspections; inspecting and conducting preventive maintenance on equipment; modernizing more than 10 miles of existing natural gas mains this year; and refilling the company’s natural gas storage tank, which provides critical gas supply for customers.

Just as Delmarva Power prepares, the company encourages customers also to be ready for severe weather that the winter season can bring.

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, a multipurpose tool, cellphones with chargers, and a list of important/emergency phone numbers.
• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, nonperishable foods available.
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
• Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family to meet in case of an extended outage.
• Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of a generator. Do not connect a generator directly to a home’s wiring. Never use a generator in any enclosed area.

Being prepared is a responsibility everyone should take seriously. If a severe winter storm strikes, customers should monitor local weather reports regularly and follow the advice of local emergency management officials. Immediately report downed wires or service issues by calling 800-898-8042 or going to delmarva.com. If an outage does occur, the company’s interactive online outage map and its mobile app provide estimates of how quickly power is expected to be restored. If people smell natural gas, they should leave the area immediately and then call Delmarva Power at 302-454-0317.

As many continue spending time at home and as temperatures drop, energy usage typically climbs, too. Delmarva Power provides helpful tips and information to help customers save money and energy all winter. 

• Install energy-efficient light bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.
• Unplug unused electrical devices when you leave a room. Chargers use energy when left plugged in after your device is fully charged.
• Check your thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, if health permits.
• Adjust your blinds. Raise your blinds in the winter to let warm sunlight into your home.

Customers who are past due on their Delmarva Power bill should contact the company immediately for payment arrangements and energy assistance. Delmarva Power will work with every customer to help identify the support necessary to continue energy service. To learn more about assistance options, customers can call 800-375-7117 or go to delmarva.com/Help.