FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Yingling , (302) 283-5811
bill.yingling@conectiv.com

Customers Urged to Prepare for Possibility of Outages

The National Weather Service predicts more hazardous winter weather for today and tomorrow. A storm moving north from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to deliver rain, sleet and snow to the mid-Atlantic region today, followed by a fast-moving storm from the northwest that could bring frigid temperatures and additional snow tomorrow. This severe weather has the potential to cause power outages. Crews are on alert to restore service as needed. Conectiv Power Delivery encourages customers to report outages to the company as soon as possible. (See the contact numbers below) The company offers the following tips to help customers prepare and stay safe.

• In restoring power, Conectiv Power Delivery's first priority is safety.
• Never touch a downed or damaged power line. Assume all downed lines are energized and stay clear
• Do not attempt to move downed or damaged power line with branches, boards, etc.
• Clear snow away from appliance intake and exhaust vents to maintain proper airflow and ventilation. Blowing and drifting snow can clog such vents and create a hazard.
• Keep a storm survival kit ready. Include drinking water, non-perishable foods, a battery-powered radio, flashlight and fresh batteries.
• Customers who need electric-powered life-support equipment should have a back-up power source or an evacuation plan. Relatives or friends who care for someone who is elderly or infirm should check to make sure back-up plans are in place in case of a power outage. Remember: Conectiv Power Delivery cannot guarantee uninterrupted service.
• Before beginning snow removal, carefully clear accumulated snow from gas and electric facilities, propane and oil tank storage areas, and other phone, cable or utility facilities, fire hydrants and fire-fighting equipment. This includes meters, valves, regulators, piping and other above-ground facilities. Clearly mark the cleared facilities to alert snow-removal operators of their location.
• Do not connect portable electric generators to household wiring without properly isolating the home's electrical system from the local power system. This will help minimize the risk of injury or death to others who are near or working on the system. Connect appliances directly to the generator with an extension cord.
• Operate generators according to the operator's manual. Run portable generators outside to properly ventilate exhaust. Do not run them, for example, in basements, garages, car ports, near open windows or other areas where exhaust can accumulate.
• To aid in restoration during an outage, turn off major appliances, such as washing machines, ovens and stoves. This will help reduce a sudden increase in demand on the system when power is restored.
• To help prevent food spoilage, avoid opening refrigerator and freezer doors during an outage. Remember: Conectiv Power Delivery is not liable for losses caused by storm-related power outages or other acts of nature.
• Drivers should slow down, keep a safe distance between vehicles, keep their focus on the road and not be distracted while they are behind the wheel.
• Walkers should be aware of -- and be cautious around -- icy sidewalks, particularly around stairs, curbs and busy lobbies.
• To avoid or minimize back problems or the chance of heart attack, individuals shoveling snow should pace themselves, take frequent breaks, avoid excessively heavy lifting and exercise proper bending and lifting techniques. Let your legs do most of the work, not your lower back.
• If you go outside, wear a heavy coat, a hat and gloves. Keep your skin covered and minimize the chance of frostbite.

If you experience an outage or see a downed or damaged power line, call Conectiv Power Delivery's 24-hour emergency numbers:

• Delaware: New Castle County: 1-800-898-8042; Kent and Sussex counties: 1-800-898-8045
• New Jersey: 1-800-833-7476
• Maryland: Cecil and Harford counties: 1-800-898-8042; Eastern Shore: 1-800-898-8045
• Virginia: 1-800-898-8045
• To report a Conectiv natural gas emergency in New Castle County, Del.: 302-454-0317

Conectiv Power Delivery, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric or natural gas delivery services to more than one million customers in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.