BGE Preparing for High Wind and Heavy Rain Which Could Result in Power Outages

BGE Preparing for High Wind and Heavy Rain Which Could Result in Power Outages

 

BGE Preparing for High Wind and Heavy Rain Which

Could Result in Power Outages
 
Customers Can Now Report Outages on Smart Phones

and Online at BGE.com  

Customers can also view an enhanced outage map with BGE’s newly l

aunched mobile touch website
 

BALTIMORE, Dec. 20, 2012 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) <http://www.bge.com/Pages/default.aspx>  today announced that it is closely monitoring approaching weather systems, forecasted to bring heavy rain Thursday evening and windy conditions Friday and Saturday to BGE’s central Maryland service area.   The company is proactively preparing for the possibility weather-related outages resulting from the forecasted high winds and heavy rain and encourages customers to prepare as well.

BGE also reminds customers that it recently launched a new suite of online tools to provide customers with enhanced customers service and communications options through bge.com. In addition to reporting an outage online through bge.com, the company’s new mobile touch version of its website enables customers to report an outage, view an enhanced outage map and contact BGE from their mobile phone, smart phone or tablet in an easy-to-navigate, touch screen format. Customers also still have the option to report their outage by calling BGE’s outage line at 877.778.2222.

“BGE continues to monitor the forecasted high wind and heavy rain, which is expected to begin with rain on Thursday afternoon.  Windy conditions will be present Friday and Saturday.  This expected weather brings the potential of trees falling onto power lines and damaging our electric delivery system causing outages,” said Jeannette M. Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. “Just as BGE proactively prepares for the potential of weather-related outages, it is equally important that our customers consider what steps they might need to take to prepare their families and homes prior to any impending weather, particularly where it concerns the availability of electricity. We remind our customers that now, in addition to reporting your outage through our automated outage line at 877.778.2222, customers can also report an outage online or through their mobile phone, smart phone or tablet as part of our newly launched suite of online tools.” 

The enhanced outage map on bge.com is interactive and provides customers with the 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. Customers can also view the outage map by visiting bge.com and clicking on “Current Outages.” 

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> . 

As a reminder, BGE customers who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should always have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.  Customers using a generator should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas.  Customers also are reminded to call877.778.2222 to report a power outage or downed wire using BGE’s automated system.

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. BGE encourages customers to take the following steps to prepare for outages:

·      Stay informed – Stay 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 (Customers with Special Needs <http://www.bge.com/customerservice/stormsoutages/stormcenter/beforeastorm/Pages/Customers-with-Special-Needs.aspx> ) 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> .