Atlantic City Electric is monitoring a coastal storm that is expected to bring severe weather to our area this weekend. Strong winds and heavy rainfall may bring down trees and damage equipment, resulting in power outages for our customers. We are prepared for this event and have enhanced our staffing resources to best respond. Safety is our top priority. We urge customers to stay away from downed wires and other equipment. To report a downed wire, call 800-833-7476. Report and track outages through our mobile app or website at atlanticcityelectric.com/StormPrep.
For Immediate Release
Contact
Pollinator Populations have Declined in U.S.
MAYS LANDING, N.J. - Atlantic City Electric is protecting valuable habitat for bees, butterflies caterpillars and other pollinators through the proper management and maintenance of vegetation, the implementation of wildlife habitat protection strategies and by integrating controls on invasive species along its electric transmission and distribution lines.
"Pollinators are the first step in the food chain, not only for wild birds and animals, but also for humans," said Lead Environmental Scientist Mike Garrity. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners in Wildlife program and the New Jersey Audubon Society Stewardship Program, Atlantic City Electric's Environmental Services team has taken steps to increase the number of pollinating plants in the company's transmission right-of-ways. This initiative emphasizes native grassland protection and restoration through vegetation management techniques.
"With over 1,200 miles of transmission right-of-ways, we've taken significant steps to establish native grassland habitat and encourage its use by the declining bee population," Garrity added.
"Atlantic City Electric's native vegetation projects are helping by giving bees restored habitats," said Sandy Batty, Executive Director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC). "Homeowners can do the same by allowing native wildflowers to grow on their lawns," she added.
On September 19, Atlantic City Electric partnered with ANJEC to offer an educational workshop to municipalities in southern New Jersey to discuss its Meadow Management Program. Demonstrating the company's commitment and positive impact on habitat restoration for bees, the program promotes the germination and growth of dormant annual and perennial wildflower seeds. Wildflowers provide important food and nectar for bees, butterflies and caterpillars. Butterfly populations are an integral part of right-of-way wildlife habitats because they pollinate flowers, provide an essential food source for other wildlife and naturally beautify their surroundings.
####
Atlantic City Electric, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric delivery services to more than 548,000 customers in southern New Jersey.
