September 24, 2003

The Honorable Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.

Governor

State of Maryland

State House

100 State Circle

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Dear Governor Ehrlich:

I am writing to ask that you use the State of Maryland’s regulatory authority to conduct a vigorous and thorough investigation into the root causes of the utility companies’ significant delays in restoring electricity to customers all across our State.

While clean up and restoration activities from Tropical Storm Isabel have imposed major challenges, like many people, I have grown increasingly frustrated with the extremely slow rate of progress being made in restoring power to many residential neighborhoods and critical sites such as schools, traffic lights, and nursing homes. The delays are, unfortunately, nothing new. During the 1999 ice storm, thousands of customers lost power for several days. PEPCO and other utilities conducted after action reviews and announced several changes to their business practices. Those practices were tested in late August 2003 during a severe thunderstorm and again last week. I believe it is fair to say that their new approach is unacceptable. This time around, more than reports are needed; action is required.

I stand ready to support the State’s investigation into the utility companies’ failure to restore electricity in a more timely manner to hundreds of thousands of Marylanders. Everything from advanced planning, customer communication, and the adequacy of our electric infrastructure should be on the table for review and action by State regulators.

On behalf of the residents of Montgomery County, I look forward to your reply and working with you to get to the bottom of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Douglas M. Duncan

County Executive

cc: Mr. Kenneth D. Schisler, Chairman

Maryland Public Service Commission