LANHAM, Md. (DC News Now) — Despite the DMV’s taste of spring this week, winter has been brutal on families in the area.
Having to crank up the heat the past few months has driven utility costs to new heights.
Pepco, which provides power for more than one million customers in Maryland and D.C., is offering programs to help struggling families, like that of Largo resident Tameka Lavert.
“My bills have really increased during the winter months. I think it is a good idea that Pepco is doing this because the economy and inflation [are] going up. Lots of people are struggling paying for groceries and trying to pay bills on a monthly basis,” Lavert said.
Pepco is extending its enhanced support measures through March. These programs will help residential and commercial customers manage their winter energy bills and provide relief from high costs due to the extreme cold.
The company is also suspending physical disconnections for nonpayment and waiving deposits for disconnected customers who are seeking to restore service through the end of next month.
Spokesman Chuck McDade says it is just Pepco’s way of helping.
“If a customer is late or behind on their bill, there is no late fee associated with their bill from now through March. And if you’re facing that bill and it’s harder to pay, we will have a longer repayment period, and we will work with the customer to come up with a plan that works for them,” McDade said.
Lavert said she hopes this will help ease her monthly costs.
“My bills usually are about $75 to $80 per month, but lately they have been like $250 or $280 dollars,” she explained.
HVAC expert Marlon Simpson says there are some things residents can do to cut back year-round.
“You really want to focus on the insulation in your home and weather stripping for areas with air leaks. And windows and doors especially in the basement,” he said.
The Pepco support programs started Feb. 4 and will continue through March 2025.
