Atlantic City Electric Prepares for Next Round of Tough Weather

MAYS LANDING – Just as Atlantic City Electric restores the very last customer impacted by Winter Storm Riley, the company, its employees and local contractors are bracing for the second of this one-two severe weather punch expected overnight and into March 7. All day March 6, employees worked diligently to ready the system as Winter Storm Quinn approaches.
Atlantic City Electric’s Emergency Response Organization remains activated as crews worked throughout the day to make final repairs to utility poles, crossarms, lines and other equipment in advance of Winter Storm Quinn. The company also is preparing for the winter storm with enhanced staffing in its call center, dispatch centers and in the field to respond to customer needs. And, in support of our neighboring communities, the company also provided resources to Jersey Central Power & Light to support the ongoing power restoration and preparation efforts there.
“It has been a difficult few days for our customers as we worked to restore service following Winter Storm Riley,” said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president. “I want to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time and thank our crews and contractors who have worked around the clock since Friday to bring every customer back online.”
The destructive nor’easter Winter Storm Riley inflicted heavy damage along the East Coast beginning last Friday. Strengthening significantly beyond forecasts, the storm delivered high sustained winds and gusts through the 70-mph-range for more than 48 hours. Utilities from Mid-Atlantic to New England reported more than 2.6 million power outages at the storm’s peak and more than 200,000 customers remain out across all affected utilities.
Each of Exelon’s Mid-Atlantic utilities mobilized in advance of the storm and were joined by crews from ComEd, Exelon’s utility in Illinois. Exelon worked with the mutual assistance networks to supplement its own crews with additional line workers, contractors and support staff from more than 16 states and Canada to form a force of nearly 7,500 working on the restoration. Crews worked through challenging conditions that included severe winds, road closures, downed trees and other debris.
The company’s greatest concern with Winter Storm Quinn is the potential for heavy, wet snow, which can stick to tree limbs and aerial power lines. An accumulation of wet snow could coat tree branches bringing them down into power lines and causing service interruptions for customers. Strong winds are also expected, especially along the coast, which could result in additional damage and outages for customers.
Atlantic City Electric urges customers to stay safe and always stay away from any storm damaged electrical equipment, especially downed power lines and tree limbs that may come into contact with power lines. Always assume that downed electrical wires are energized and report them to the company immediately. Customers should check on their neighbors, family and friends, and assist the elderly and those with special needs.
Customers can visit Atlantic City Electric’s website at www.atlanticcityelectric.com, use the mobile app or contact the company at 1-800-833-7476 to report any outages.
To learn more, visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online news room. Follow the company on Facebook at facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric and on Twitter at twitter.com/acelecconnect. Atlantic City Electric’s mobile app is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.