Pepco News Release: Pepco Continues to Monitor Intense Heat and Severe Storm Threat

Pepco remains on alert as the hot weather pattern that has gripped the entire mid-Atlantic region for several days is expected to weaken. In addition to the heat, we are monitoring current forecasts that call for a significant increase in thunderstorm activity that could impact the Pepco Region today.

Some of these storms could be severe with damaging winds in excess of 50 mph, intense lightning and hail. While the power supply in the region remains sufficient to meet the demand, the continued intense heat can stress electric system equipment.

Pepco has continued its staffing efforts to quickly address any equipment issues that may arise from heat and potential storms resulting from the heat.

Extensive damage caused by high winds, saturated soil, and falling trees and tree limbs that come into contact with power lines can cause power outages. Storm restoration may require extensive labor to cut up fallen trees and remove downed wires, install new power poles, restring lines and replace other equipment such as transformers and fuses.

To report Power Outages and Downed Wires Call, 1-877-737-2662.

Please stay away from downed wires and report them immediately. If calling to report a power outage, a non-life threatening situation, customers are asked to call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) and press one for the automated system.

If reporting an emergency life threatening situation such as downed wires, pole down, etc. customers are asked to please call 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) and press two.

The option for reporting an actual life threatening emergency should NOT be used to report non-life threatening emergencies, as it will prevent customers with actual emergencies from getting through to report their situation. 

Pepco also recommends that when reporting an outage that customers request a call back. When outages are being worked in their area, the customer will be notified in the event they are not home or have relocated. This also helps Pepco during the restoration process to locate outages that may be specific to customers’ homes, such as an issue with the service wire to an individual house.