Pepco and WSSC continue to strive to ensure quality service and meet customer needs through the lingering challenges of
Covid-19, while looking ahead to a greener future that addresses the effects of climate change. On February 16, representatives of both utilities convened with Greenbelt City Council to provide an update on their current projects and programs. WSSC was represented by Government Relations Manager Monica Marquina, Construction Manager Jason Flory and Customer Advocate David Wilkins. Pepco was represented by External Affairs Manager Tony Ruffin and Lead Manager for Vegetation Management Cody Hesseltine.
Concerning arrearages, both utilities are faced with significant delinquencies, often the result of Covid-19 difficulties. Both offer assistance programs in an effort, said Ruffin, to “help meet customers where they are.”
According to Marquina, WSSC has waived its late fees and to date has not received any county, state or federal funds, including from the American Rescue Plan Act or the CARES Act.
Marquina said that one in five WSSC customers are behind, with the number of those in Greenbelt numbering 500. She added that the average amount of individual residential money owed is $517, with the combined residential and non-residential amount owed in Greenbelt totaling $360,000. She said that the total amount of arrearages for the utility is over $60 million.
Ruffin described the efforts to bring electric vehicle charging stations to the city, stressing that this is the future of transportation and that Pepco looks to be part of that transition. Currently, Pepco is only authorized (by the Maryland Public Service Commission) to install stations on public property, such as in Greenbelt at the Public Works Department. These stations are of no cost to the city and are available for residents and visitors alike. Two-hundred fifty have been authorized, with slightly under half slated for Prince George’s County. More are anticipated, with the next phase being installation on private and commercial property.
Ruffin offered Pepco’s solar energy expert as a guest to a future worksession to explain the pros and cons of solar panel use to residents of the city.
Flory gave an update on WSSC projects in the city. The water main replacement on Greenbelt Road, in front of Beltway Plaza, is 90 percent complete. The sewer line replacement at Greenbelt Park is finished. Sewer line rehabilitation work throughout Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) is ongoing. Repaving at worksites such as on Southway and at the entrance to Greenbelt Park will have to wait until spring or summer.
According to Marquina, WSSC has no lead pipes and is working hard toward the goal of replacing all its original pipes. WSSC has experienced a million dollars in cuts, delaying this effort.
Mayor Emmett Jordan alerted WSSC to the pressing issue of replacing the aging sewer and water lines within GHI, saying that the summer may be an appropriate time for that discussion.
Ruffin encouraged the city to keep Pepco abreast of the location of double poles throughout the city. Removal delays are often the result of Verizon or Comcast not removing their lines, with Pepco having no unilateral authority to do that themselves. Currently, wood poles are being transitioned to taller more durable steel poles.
Councilmember Rodney Roberts advocated for all lines to be underground with the threat of more severe storms making pole lines a short-term approach. Ruffin, while acknowledging that this was a hot topic, said this would be an extremely expensive prospect. Yet, he said that Pepco does bury its infrastructure when appropriate.
Concerning achieving lower bills, Ruffin said that Pepco offers both a free and a paid test to customers to best ascertain any consumption issues like leaks. Ruffin said that information on one’s energy usage is available to all customers, through audit reports, accessing one’s online account and one’s bill statement, which shows comparisons to neighboring residences.
Councilmember Silke Pope spoke up for residents who have experienced higher than normal bills from both utilities. Marquina said that WSSC rates have been raised and that, due to remote work, perhaps more water is being used. Both Marquina and Ruffin suggested reaching out to customer service to best determine each customer’s individual issues and the best ways to address them.
Retaining and recruiting experienced staff is an issue for both utilities, with retirement being a major factor recently. Both Marquina and Ruffin stressed the importance of the service being provided. Through outreach to schools of all kinds and job fairs, both utilities seek to promote the well-paying and rewarding careers available.
WSSC, through its requirement to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, monitors closely its water quality, having had no infractions in its 100+ year history. Salt levels and PFAS are a priority. As it is a public utility, all customers can access this information.
At the meeting’s close, Ruffin said that Covid has made the future full of unknowns, making responses more reactive than proactive.