Pepco, Conectiv Announce Hurricane Response Review
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
For Immediate Release
Former FEMA Director James Lee Witt to Conduct Independent Assessment
Pepco Holdings Inc. (PHI) Chief Executive Officer Dennis Wraase announced today that he has asked James Lee Witt, former Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to conduct an exhaustive independent assessment of Pepco and Conectiv’s emergency preparedness for and response to Hurricane Isabel.
Hurricane Isabel wreaked significant devastation throughout the region and disrupted electric service to nearly a million customers in the combined Pepco and Conectiv service territories, including more than 75% of Pepco’s customers and 35% of Conectiv’s customers. Damage was so severe that the President declared a natural disaster in several states and the District of Columbia. In the storm’s aftermath, both companies were confronted with the largest restoration effort ever, with more than 5,000 wires down in Pepco’s service area alone, requiring 75 miles of cable to be replaced.
Citing Witt’s extensive experience dealing with hurricane response efforts at FEMA, PHI CEO Dennis Wraase said, “James Lee Witt is nationally recognized as a leader and an expert in emergency management planning and procedures,” Wraase said. “More importantly, James Lee's experience and expertise in customer service, bringing people together and building a consensus will help Pepco and Conectiv determine what was done well and what could be done better.”
“Our effort will provide Pepco and Conectiv with the information and recommendations necessary to ensure that their plans satisfy the needs and expectations of their customers.” Witt stated.
Wraase acknowledged that customers and public officials have questions about Pepco and Conectiv restoration efforts. The companies made unprecedented efforts to prepare for Isabel, bringing in out of state crews, training additional telephone representatives and securing large quantities of electric equipment and materials for the restoration.
Wraase added “While Pepco, for example, restored twice as many customers and repaired four times as much damage as we did in the same time period after the 1999 ice storm, we recognize that customers want us to do better. Every event like this is an opportunity to improve.”
Several public officials and regulatory agencies have already announced plans to review utility performance. Said Wraase, “Pepco and Conectiv will, of course, cooperate fully with these proceedings, but we want to do more. Response to Isabel is a natural disaster response issue and we believe it needs to be looked at as such.” Wraase expressed confidence that Witt’s assessment is the best way to identify viable steps the companies could take to respond to similar challenges in the future.
James Lee Witt Associates will conduct an independent assessment of all PHI preparation and response efforts for Hurricane Isabel and all internal and external procedures for handling disaster events - addressing all aspects of emergency operations including: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. As part of this review and analysis, JLWA will look at numerous issues including storm preparation, power restoration priorities, customer service and an overall assessment of the response. In addition, JLWA will work closely with officials on the local, state and federal levels as well as reach out to local businesses, citizens, stakeholders and interested parties to include and represent the many perspectives and concerns surrounding this important issue.
###
About PHI: Pepco Holdings, Inc., is a diversified energy holding company with headquarters in Washington, D.C. Its principal operating utilities, Pepco and Conectiv, deliver 50,000 gigawatt-hours of power to more than 1.8 million customers in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. PHI engages in regulated utility operations by delivering electricity and natural gas, and provides competitive energy and energy products and services to residential and commercial customers.
James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA) is a leader in public safety and emergency management consulting. With a multi-faceted range of relevant experience, JLWA is uniquely positioned to help avoid, address or recover from virtually any crisis or conflict. Headquartered in Washington, DC, JLWA assists universities, hospitals, non-profits, international organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and local and state governments in preparing for and responding to all hazards. James Lee Witt has more than 25 years of leadership and experience in the field of public safety, including eight years as the Director of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during which he responded to more than 350 disasters in all 50 states. He and his team have unrivaled experience and hands-on knowledge in crisis management and partnership development.
