The approach of summer also signals the potential for extreme weather which includes high winds, thunderstorms and hurricanes, which can cause electric service interruptions. Delmarva Power has invested in infrastructure improvements to improve the resiliency of the electric system and support the reliability of your service.
We know all too well that hurricanes and storms have the potential to disrupt lives by causing power outages and damage to buildings and homes from downed trees or flooding. We want you to know that we’re getting ready for these major storms.
Our storm preparation efforts include implementing a planned, strategic response to restoring service as quickly and safely as possible. This includes:
- Providing new customers with information on how to prepare for storms and potential power outages, such as our “Storm Prep Handbook” available at delmarva.com/storm. You can call Customer Care at 800-375-7117 to request a copy via mail.
- Planning for additional personnel and resources, as needed, to restore service after a major storm. As an Exelon utility, we are able to share resources with BGE, PECO, Atlantic City Electric and Pepco which allows us to respond to storms faster and more cost-effectively.
- Working with local government, public safety personnel and first responders through our Emergency Services Partnership Program to respond quickly, safely and effectively to emergencies.
Over the past three years, Delmarva Power has made significant improvements to our infrastructure:
- Invested $425 million in electric system upgrades
- Completed $47 million in vegetation management activities including trimming trees and limbs within the utility right-of-way
- Upgraded 19 substations to support Distribution Automation activities which can restore customers more efficiently if a service interruption does occur
- Installed 17 miles of “jacketed” tree wire which helps reduce outages from animals, tree limbs and trees which could come in contact with overhead power lines.
- Installed 294 reclosers which are designed to detect power disturbances (faults) on our circuits and can automatically restore power in some instances. A recloser can also help minimize the number of customers that can be affected by service interruptions.
Along with infrastructure improvements, we continue to exercise and improve our planned and strategic response to restore service when and if an event does occur by:
- Prioritizing the safety of our employees and the public above all else.
- Providing customers with updated information via our website and mobile applications.
- Coordinating additional Exelon Utilities’ resources, as needed, to restore service and respond to emergencies.
- Maintaining an adequate supply of essential equipment, such as poles, wires and transformers.
- Working with local governments, public safety personnel and first responders through our Emergency Services Partnership Program to respond safely and decisively to emergencies.
- Participating in emergency preparedness drills on a regular basis.
Customers can report power outages through our website, our mobile app or by calling 1-800-898-8042. Help Delmarva Power spread the word about emergency preparedness to your constituents, our customers. Below are a few helpful links so we can all be ready for summer weather. Please remember that if you smell natural gas, call our natural gas emergency number at 302-454-0317 or 911 if the situation warrants.
Weathering the Storm Fact Sheet
Power Restoration Process Video
Natural Gas Safety Information
Delmarva Power Mobile App
Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program
