Public Works Commission

June 7, 2006

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has launched a new emergency reporting phone number effective June 7. The new phone number: 1-877-OUR-PWC1 (1-877-687-7921) is a toll free automated telephone system that will enable PWC to handle thousands of emergency calls an hour, virtually eliminating busy signals.

"1-877-OUR-PWC1 will provide our customers the most efficient way to report emergencies and receive information about service outages and restoration," said Carolyn Justice-Hinson, PWC Communications & Community Relations Manager. "When customers call 1-877-OUR-PWC1, PWC is able to handle thousands of calls at one time, allowing customers to report emergencies and virtually eliminate receiving a busy signal.

The system will provide information in English or Spanish, provides reports on when power will be restored and will provide a courtesy phone call to customers when service is restored.

When customers dial 1-877-OUR-PWC1, the system automatically recognizes their phone number if it is in PWC's customer account system. If customers are calling from a different location, they can simply key in the phone number for the outage location. In order for the system to most efficiently, it is essential that PWC have customer's current telephone numbers. Customers are encouraged to update their phone information by contacting PWC's customer service department or using the PWC website account management.