A Message from Delmarva Power
Date Posted: Thursday, May 26th, 2022
Dear Community & Governmental Partners:
The summer months are fast approaching. At Delmarva Power, we remain committed to providing the communities we serve with safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy service, especially during this summer season. Delmarva Power is in the process of preparing for the 2022 summer storm and Atlantic hurricane season. This summer, forecasters are predicting another above-average season, with 16-21 named storms.
To prepare for summer’s severe weather and high electrical demands, we work year-round to enhance the local energy grid to make it smarter and more resilient. On the electric grid, this work includes inspecting and upgrading equipment; trimming trees; building new underground equipment; and installing innovative technologies to improve system reliability, such as specialized equipment that can automatically restore service faster or isolate damage. We also analyze and evaluate the local energy grid to identify, plan and execute major infrastructure projects that are essential to providing reliable service for our customers when severe weather strikes.
Over the past 10 years, ongoing investments in the local energy grid have driven a 51 percent decrease in the frequency of electric outages. Last year, even when service was interrupted, crews were able to safely restore service in a record 75 minutes, on average. In 2021, Delmarva Power performed work on several major projects as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance reliability and modernize the local energy grid. Some of these projects include:
- Sussex County Substation Expansions & Upgrades – Delmarva Power is modernizing the Bridgeville, Laurel, Millsboro and North Seaford Substations to handle the region’s evolving energy needs and more extreme weather, creating a more reliable and resilient connection between the regional transmission system and the local energy grid.
Being prepared during this summer season is a responsibility that we take very seriously, and we encourage others to do the same. Please help us spread the word about emergency preparedness and the steps that can be taken to keep our crews and the public safe this summer season. Encourage your constituents to assemble an emergency storm kit and prepare a plan for what to do during a power outage or summer storm. We ask that you also encourage residents to visit delmarva.com/mobileapp to download our mobile app, which has many resources to keep customers informed during a storm. More tips, resources and safety information are available at delmarva.com.
If a severe storm hits, we monitor local weather reports regularly and follow the advice of local emergency management officials. We follow a strategic response plan to restore service to the greatest number of customers first and will work to restore your service as quickly and safely as possible. To learn more about our restoration process, visit delmarva.com/Storm.
Customers are asked to immediately report a downed wire or service issue by calling 1-800-898-8042, by visiting delmarva.com or through our mobile app. We also have a feature that allows customers to report an outage by texting “Out” to “67972”. Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to “67972” to sign up for this service. As temperatures begin to rise, energy usage typically starts to climb as well. Delmarva Power provides important information and programs to empower customers to better manage their energy use and bills. Visit delmarva.com/WaysToSave or call 1-800-375-7117 to learn more.
By taking a few simple steps, together we can be ready, stay safe, stay cool, and use less energy this summer.
Sincerely,
Jim Smith – External Affairs Manager at Delmarva Power
