Pepco gets mobile command center for summer storm response

Pepco's massive new vehicle will help coordinate response to summer storms. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli) — Pepco’s massive new vehicle will help coordinate response to summer storms. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

"It's going to be used as part of our major restoration efforts," said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli) — “The most advanced technology available in today’s marketplace has been installed in the mobile command vehicle,” said Pepco Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tyler Anthony. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

The mobile command center has two work rooms, telephones, radios and eight television screens in the interior. There is also a television screen built into the exterior of the vehicle. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli) — The mobile command center has two work rooms, telephones, radios and eight television screens in the interior. There also is a television screen built into the exterior of the vehicle. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

The mobile command center has two work rooms, telephones, radios and eight television screens in the interior. There is also a television screen built into the exterior of the vehicle. (WTOP/Nick Iannelli)

WTOP reporter Dennis Foley took photos of some of the overnight wind damage in Takoma Park, Maryland. A wind storm knocked down trees and left thousands without power overnight Saturday, April 2, 2016. (WTOP/Dennis Foley)

severe weather — A downed tree suppred the closure of George Washington Parkway at Spout Run, near Windy Run, on Saturday, April 2, 2016. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)

Beach Dr CLOSED Kensington/Chevy Chase, water receded but debris blocks road & trail basically btwn Rt355 & Rt420 pic.twitter.com/ywJu0CD8aB
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) May 3, 2016

(WTOP/Dave Dildine)

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WASHINGTON — Just in time for the summer storm season, Pepco has acquired a massive new vehicle that will serve as a mobile command center for crews dispatched to communities dealing with heavy storm damage and power outages.

“It’s going to be used as part of our major restoration efforts,” said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco. “Early forecasts are that this could be a heavier-than-normal storm season for hurricanes and other tropical storms coming up the coast.”

The mobile command center has two work rooms, telephones, radios and eight television screens in the interior. There is also a television screen built into the exterior of the vehicle.

Pepco says the vehicle, which is 38 feet long and weighs 29,000 pounds, will allow crews to coordinate and run operations on the ground in areas affected by storm damage.

“We would prioritize the use based on where the damage was most significant,” said Tyler Anthony, Pepco’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. “The most advanced technology available in today’s marketplace has been installed in the mobile command vehicle.”