Public input sought at D.C. meeting on burying power lines

WASHINGTON – A new task force created to explore burying D.C. power lines will meet for the first time next week, says D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray.

Many Pepco customers, complaining of poor service and frequent outages, have suggested underground power lines would solve the problem.

Pepco executives have characterized the cost of undergrounding wires as ‘prohibitive’.

Matthew Frumin, a D.C. resident in Ward 3, will serve on the task force.

“It’s utterly intolerable to have to experience the kinds of outages our residents have experienced,” he says.

Frumin, an attorney, says he’s got an open mind on whether undergrounding wires could minimize the frequent outages.

“It’s wonderful that we are taking a first step by bringing people together to put their heads together to solve the problem.”

The task force will be co-chaired by City Administrator Allen Lew and Pepco Holdings Chairman Joseph Rigby.

The public will have a chance to comment at the meeting, which will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

For more information, call (202) 478-9200.

WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow Kate Ryan and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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