Washington, D.C. Power Outages
- There are 0 customers without power in Washington, D.C. right now.
- Pepco is the District's sole electric utility, serving approximately 325,122 customers.
Report a Power Outage in DC
Pepco is the sole electric delivery company for Washington, D.C. Even if you purchase electricity from an alternative supplier through DC's competitive market, Pepco handles all outage restoration.
| Utility | Outage Hotline | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Pepco | 1-877-737-2662 | pepco.com/Outages |
About DC's Electricity Grid
Washington, D.C. has a competitive retail electricity market, meaning District residents and businesses can choose their electricity supplier (known as a "retail energy provider") while Pepco continues to own and operate the distribution grid. If you don't choose a supplier, Pepco provides electricity at the "Standard Offer Service" rate.
The DC Public Service Commission (DCPSC) regulates Pepco's distribution rates and reliability standards. Pepco is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, one of the largest utility holding companies in the United States. The company also serves parts of suburban Maryland (Prince George's and Montgomery counties).
DC has set aggressive clean energy goals, mandating 100% renewable electricity by 2032 under the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act. The District's relatively compact geography and urban environment mean most of its distribution network is underground, which reduces but does not eliminate weather-related outages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are without power in Washington, D.C. right now?
Right now, 0 customers are without power in the District of Columbia. Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company) is the sole electric utility for DC, serving approximately 325,122 customers. This page pulls live data from Pepco's outage system every 15 minutes.
Who do I call to report a power outage in DC?
Call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662 (1-877-PEPCO-62) to report a power outage or downed wire. You can also report outages online at pepco.com or through the Pepco mobile app. For life-threatening situations involving downed power lines, call 911 first.
How does DC's power grid work?
Washington, D.C. is served exclusively by Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company), a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation. Pepco owns and operates the transmission and distribution infrastructure throughout the District. DC has a competitive electricity supply market — residents and businesses can choose an alternative electricity supplier while Pepco continues to deliver the power and handle outage restoration. The DC Public Service Commission (DCPSC) regulates Pepco's rates and service quality.
What causes power outages in Washington, D.C.?
The leading causes include summer thunderstorms and severe weather, which bring high winds, lightning, and heavy rain that damage overhead lines and topple trees. DC's extensive tree canopy, while beautiful, contributes to tree-contact outages during storms. Winter ice storms and nor'easters can also cause widespread outages. Underground cable faults account for some outages in the older parts of the city. Equipment aging, construction damage, and vehicle accidents are other common causes.
How long do DC power outages typically last?
Most routine outages in DC are restored within 1 to 3 hours. Storm-related outages can take 4 to 24 hours depending on severity. Major events like the 2012 derecho left parts of the region without power for up to a week. Pepco publishes estimated restoration times on its outage map and sends automated notifications to affected customers.
