When service damage occurs, it's important to understand who is responsible for the repair. Distinguish between areas owned by BGE and areas owned by the customer.

Electric Equipment

The information below distinguishes between equipment owned by BGE and equipment owned by the customer or property owner.

• BGE
• Electrical service wire coming from BGE's system (overhead or underground)
• Riser - conduit that protect cables going to the meter
• Meter enclosure/box
• Meter
• Customer
• Service entrance cable - line side of meter. (The point where BGE's equipment attaches to customer building to the meter box.)
• Service entrance cable from load side of meter

Residential Overhead Services

BGE will reinstall the customer's overhead service drop to the original point of attachment of the building. The customer is responsible for any repair to their service entrance cable (line side and load side)

Residential Underground Services

• After repair work on underground cables is completed, BGE will back-fill the trench to the original grade.
• If the customer caused the damage, the customer is responsible for the costs to repair the cable, for reseeding or re-sodding the area, and for replacing any structures, fences, patios associated with the damage.
• If BGE is responsible for the repair (breakdown in cable, etc.), BGE will reseed or resod the affected lawn or yard area back to its original condition.
• Easements must be kept clear of trees, bushes, structures, fences, patios, etc. The restoration of power and repair of cable can be delayed if BGE cannot safely access its facilities.

Gas Services 

BGE ensures reliable and safe gas service to our customers. We rely on our customers to understand what they can do in order to maintain the areas that they are responsible for and to stay safe around natural gas.

BGE owns all pipes, underground and above ground, up to and including the gas meter. Indoor meters may be located in garages, basements or other indoor locations. Customers own and maintain all above ground and buried pipe after the meter, and their gas appliances.

Corrugated Stainless  Steel Tubing

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is a flexible, stainless steel pipe used to supply natural gas in residential, commercial and industrial structures. CSST is often coated with a yellow or black exterior plastic coating.

If you have CSST in your home or business after the gas meter, we recommend  that you contact  a licensed electrician to ensure piping after the gas meter is bonded  and grounded  properly. BGE does not provide an inspection service for CSST installations. If you are unsure if your property contains CSST, contact  a qualified contractor to obtain a professional inspection.

Protect Gas Equipment and Piping

• Ensure a minimum of three feet of clear space around each meter.
• Use caution when performing any work around meters or moving vehicles or equipment near meters or piping
• Contact BGE at 1- 800-685-0123 to report any suspected damage or signs of deterioration to meters or piping.
• Contact Miss Utility at 811 at least two full business days (but no more than 10 days) prior to digging to ensure underground natural gas pipes and other utilities are properly located and marked.

For more information on natural gas safety, please visit our Natural Gas Safety page