BGE monitoring and preparing for additional severe weather in forecast today

BALTIMORE (Aug. 4, 2017) – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) crews with assistance from 30 crews and associated contractors at Pepco in Washington D.C. and Maryland, Delmarva Power in Delaware and Maryland and PECO in Philadelphia, continue to restore service to customers who lost power as a result of yesterday's severe thunderstorms that impacted the region, with significant damage in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. The storm system brought heavy rainfall, lightning and damaging winds, uprooting trees and causing downed poles and power lines. As of 7:00 a.m. on Friday, crews have made significant progress, restoring service to nearly 35,000 customers who lost power during the storm.  BGE expects to restore power to the large majority of customers by the end of today. However, additional severe weather is anticipated today which may impact restoration efforts and cause additional damage.  Restoration times may be slightly longer for small pockets of customers in locations where extensive damage was sustained.

All customers, including those with smart meters, should report service interruptions to BGE. Customers should visit bge.com/alerts to choose how to receive information, via text, email or phone, regarding when power is out in their area, when service is expected to be restored, and when power is restored.  Text "ADDOUTAGE" to MYBGE (69243) to enroll in our two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of outages. Power outages can also be reported by calling 1.877.778.2222 or online at BGE.com and through mobile devices.

Customers can find information on preparing for severe weather and other emergency events at the storm center on BGE.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE's social media sites Twitter and Facebook. Visit BGE's enhanced outage map at bge.com/outagemap for information on general locations of outages in BGE's service territory.

BGE's restoration priorities are public safety and critical care facilities, such as 911 centers, hospitals and pumping stations.  Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible.  However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.  Clearing tree debris and safety limitations on the use of bucket trucks during periods of high sustained winds can be factors in restoration progress.

In instances of long periods of heavy rain, BGE prepares for the very real potential of not only outages relating to overhead power lines, but also outages caused by flooding in cases where water enters gas and electric meters. In cases where flooding affects equipment after the meter, customers are responsible for all wiring, piping, appliances, breaker boxes and any other gas or electric-related equipment or service inside the home or business. 

 Please remember the following safety tips:

• Customers requiring refrigeration for medication or electricity for medical equipment should always have alternate arrangements in place in the event of an extended power outage.
• Customers with landlines should keep a corded phone handy to report outages if their cell phone loses power.
• Proceed with care if you have experienced flooding in your basement and/or other areas of your home.
• Do not enter a room with standing water, particularly if the water covers electrical outlets or electrical cords that are plugged into outlets.
• Ensure the electrical system is turned off before entering a flooded room or basement.
• Do not attempt to shut off your electrical system if you have to stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
• If you experience flooding, do not turn on any lights or appliances without having a comprehensive inspection performed by a licensed electrician and also by a registered plumber with a gasfitter's license for gas appliances.

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BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility, is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility. Headquartered in Baltimore, BGE delivers power to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company's approximately 3,200 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas and electricity, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $5 billion of output in its service area, supporting more than 9,500 local jobs and producing $923 million in labor income. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's leading competitive energy provider. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube  and Flickr.