BGE Closely Monitors Forecasted High Wind and Prepares for Additional Weather-Related Outages

BGE Closely Monitors Forecasted High Wind and Prepares for Additional Weather-Related Outages

To view BGE’s new enhanced outage map, visit bge.com<http://outagemap.bge.com/> . Thank you.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Closely Monitors Forecasted High Wind and Prepares for Additional Weather-Related Outages

Company is restoring service to customers affected by today’s winter weather

BALTIMORE, Dec. 26, 2012 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) <http://www.bge.com/Pages/default.aspx>  today announced that it is closely monitoring the high wind activity forecasted to affect its central Maryland service area Thursday morning and preparing for additional weather-related outages. The current forecast predicts wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour (mph), which can bring trees and tree limbs down onto power lines and electric delivery equipment.  

“We are currently responding to weather-related outages on our system and restoring service as safely and quickly as possible. We also continue to monitor a weather system that is expected to bring rain, potential snow and high wind and wind gusts beginning tomorrow morning,” said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. “The strong wind and wind gusts of up to 50 mph bring the threat of potential power outages that may result from downed trees and limbs damaging power lines and other electric distribution equipment. We appreciate our customers’ efforts to prepare for adverse weather and to assist BGE in identifying outage locations by reporting power outages through our recently introduced mobile website atbge.com or our automated phone system at 877.778.2222.” 

Customers are reminded to stay away from downed wires and that they can now report both downed wires and power outages <https://secure.bge.com/Forms/Pages/ReportAnOutage.aspx?FromURL=Controller>  from mobile phones and devices through the mobile website at bge.com <http://www.bge.com/Pages/default.aspx>  or by calling 877.778.2222.  An enhanced power outage map <http://outagemap.bge.com/>  is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides general location and status of current electric power outages in BGE’s service area. Customers can view affected area(s), the number of customers affected by an outage, estimated time of restoration, if available, and the status of the field crew assigned to repair the issue. 

For safety reasons, work involving bucket trucks could be delayed until wind conditions are safe. Some work, including work in bucket trucks, cannot be performed when there are sustained winds of 25 miles per hour or more. Restoration work involving the removal of tree debris can be labor and time intensive. In areas sustaining significant tree-related damage, BGE crews must first assess the damage and remove the tree debris before actual repairs to electric delivery equipment can be made. BGE encourages both its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions. As a reminder, BGE customers who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical equipment (Customers with Special Needs <http://www.bge.com/customerservice/stormsoutages/stormcenter/beforeastorm/Pages/Customers-with-Special-Needs.aspx> ), should always have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage. Customers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at bge.com <http://www.bge.com/customerservice/stormsoutages/stormcenter/pages/default.aspx> , as well as find tips and updated information on storm preparation and restoration progress via BGE’s social media sites Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/myBGE>  and Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=114351251909317#!/pages/Baltimore-MD/MyBGE/114351251909317> . 

BGE encourages both its customers and employees to proactively prepare for severe weather and the possibility of power outages and to take steps to ensure the safety of their families and property during service interruptions by taking the following steps:

·      Stay informed – Be aware of changing weather conditions and plan ahead. Have a battery-powered radio with a weather band so you can hear emergency information when the power is out.

·      Make a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop a family emergency plan that includes alternative arrangements should the need arise to leave your home. Make provisions for special needs of any family member such as the elderly, disabled, medically affected or infants. If you are dependent on electric-powered medical equipment, you are encouraged to seek alternate arrangements in the event that your electric service is interrupted.

·      Make a list of emergency phone numbers (including 877.778.2222 to report an outage or a downed wire to BGE) and keep a personal telephone book and one corded phone or a cell phone on hand. 

·      Build an emergency kit – Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care. Remember supplies for children, those with special needs and pets.

·      Keep the following items readily available: 

o   Flashlights – not candles 
o   Fresh batteries 
o   Battery-operated clock radio 
o   Corded telephone 
o   Fully charged cell phone 
o   Non-perishable foods 
o   Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
o   First aid kit
o   Local maps
o   Blankets

Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged. 

In addition to monitoring current and approaching weather conditions that could result in service interruptions, BGE regularly conducts emergency training drills during which all aspects of storm-related service restoration are tested. BGE’s most recent drill occurred in early October of this year where employees across the company reviewed BGE’s Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards. For more information about BGE storm preparation and how customers can protect their families and property, go to bge.com<http://www.bge.com/Pages/default.aspx> .  

BGE <http://www.bge.com/Pages/default.aspx> , headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility, delivering power to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,400 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider with approximately $33 billion in annual revenues.  Like us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/myBGE>  and follow us on Twitter <http://twitter.com/mybge> , YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/baltimoregaselectric>   and Flickr <http://www.flickr.com/photos/mybge> .