OCEAN COUNTY – Atlantic City Electric is preparing their local energy grid to uphold demand from communities and businesses who are decorating their homes with festive lights this holiday season.
The company is preparing by completing maintenance and inspections, as well as upgrades and critical repairs to prepare for winter weather. It’s essential for the company to do so as they service over 560,000 customers through the winter.
“As our customers spend more time at home during the pandemic, reliable energy service is going to be more important than ever this winter,” said Gary Stockbridge, Atlantic City Electric region president. “Our team of dedicated lineworkers, engineers and others have worked hard to strengthen our system and prepare for severe winter weather. Our preparation efforts are essential to not only providing the reliable service our customers have come to expect, but also ensuring we are ready to respond safely and quickly when customers need us most.”
Other measures the company takes is preparing the local electric grid by inspecting and upgrading equipment; trimming trees, which cause about 24 percent of power outages; building new underground equipment; and installing stronger, tree-resistant aerial cable. Atlantic City Electric also installs smart technology that can automatically recognize the location of damage, restore service more quickly, or isolate damage.
Atlantic City Electric encourages customers to also prepare for severe weather that the winter season can bring. Here are some tips the company provides for this winter:
- Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, a multi-purpose tool, cell phones with chargers, and a list of important/emergency phone numbers.
- Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
- Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
- Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.
- Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator in any enclosed area.
- Download Atlantic City Electric’s mobile app at atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp.
For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit atlanticcityelectric.com. To learn more about assistance options customers can call 800-642-3780 or visit atlanticcityelectric.com/help.
