All customers, even those with smart meters, are reminded to report power outages from mobile phones and devices through the mobile website at bge.com or by calling 877.778.2222. An enhanced power outage map is also available through the mobile and full website, 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.

"Just as BGE prepares in advance of forecasted winter weather, we thank our customers for preparing for today’s winter storm in advance as well," said Rob Biagiotti, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. "BGE has crews strategically positioned throughout our entire service area, poised to respond to weather-related power outages quickly and safely, should they occur. Hazardous road conditions may sometimes delay our crews’ travel and arrival times, which could extend restoration times. We remind customers to report down wires and outages by calling BGE via our automated phone system at 877.778.2222 or with a mobile device at bge.com."

Heavy, wet snow and ice can cause extensive tree damage to electric delivery equipment. Removing tree debris is a labor and time-intensive process which must be completed before BGE crews can begin working on repairs and can extend the duration of certain outages.

As a reminder, BGE customers who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical equipment (Customers with Special Needs), should always have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.

Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer use and safety instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas. Improper use of this equipment or other appliances can result in potential deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other dangerous conditions.

BGE’s restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical 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.

BGE encourages 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:

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 October and involved a detailed review of BGE’s Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards.

Customers can find information on preparing for natural disasters and other emergency events at bge.com, as well as storm preparation information and restoration progress via BGE’s social media sites Twitter and Facebook.

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