The user public gets it, the independent management consultants get it, Mont. Co. Exec gets it, the Utility Commission doesn't yet. Pepco spinning the lack of advance knowledge when everyone but them could see this unfold several weeks ago with the Colorado fires and then spread across the Midwest? Only getting 300 contractors out of the planned 1000, while their counterparts reached those goals? Pepco may have had contingency or what-if different scenario plans in place, but they obviously weren't good ones and don't seem to be transparent or participatory by the community. The plans seem to be based on saving as much money as possible, not serving customers. One key question might be, "what does it take ($, materials, logistics, prevention such as selected underground 'planting', etc.) to restore 99% power in 24 hrs. for a Category I power outage; 48 hrs., etc." What are the greater costs of shopping center closures, deaths, spoiled food, work hours lost in community? Not a difficult exercise and done with transparency and as a community exercise over a weekend (who wouldn't love to be involved in that? augmented by the Mont Co TV channel on an interactive basis), it might lead to more understanding, buy-in, and a set of realistic plans - not finger-pointing and more profits and rate increases by Pepco that don't gibe with their performance. The 'stick' strategy is also needed- heavy daily fines, shaming, executive bonuses, promotions, and stay-in-jobs withheld. KentW

The incompetency of Pepco began in 2005, worsened in 2009 and has continued to this latest storm, as Pepco continues to pay it's corporate executives billions in bonuses, acquire new companies and leave the consumer in the dark without heat during Snowmaggedon and now without power or AC for 6 days and 7 nights in my neighborhood with temperatures upward of 105 heat index. Even during Snowmaggedon, our Bethesda neighborhood only lost power for 2 days. AND THEY WANT A RATE INCREASE ON TOP OF THIS OUTRAGEOUS INCOMPETENCE! They've allowed the infrastructure to crumble and we suffer while paying top dollar for minimal service, at best!!

Has anyone had the experience of reporting an outage and getting Pepco's recorded offer for a technician to call back to confirm power restoration "even in the middle of the night." Yup, if you have the temerity to ask for service, they are happy to provide it, as long as you don't mind 2AM phone calls. There are no options available. No, "if you want a call back between 9 and 5 press 1; If you want a call back between midnight and 6 AM press 2"; as far as I can tell, the "offer" is couched in a way to minimize any effort Pepco might need to make, b/c some percentage of customers will definitely choose a good night's sleep over a potential wake-up call from Pepco checking to make sure the power is really back on.

Agree completely!! Once again, why do something to make it customer-friendly? They are only interested in their convenience. I wonder how many of their top execs were inconvenienced by this outtage....

All you dissatisfied customers can you say "higher rates" because the level of service you demand costs money. Your money. But you will fight the rate hikes, tree cutting in your front yard and long term planning. You can't have it both ways. Pay up and complain or shut-up and light a candle.