BALTIMORE, Jan. 6, 2014 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is closely monitoring the approaching arctic weather system forecasted to bring frigid temperatures and periods of high winds to

BGE’s central Maryland service area throughout the next several days. BGE has increased natural gas and electric crew resource staffing to safely and quickly respond to customer concerns that occur during this period.   

BGE also encourages customers to conserve energy and ensure that they are prepared with a winter emergency plan and supplies. Although BGE commodity prices remain stable, the forecasted extremely low temperatures will likely cause energy usage to increase, even for customers who leave their thermostats at a set temperature. Heating systems must work harder and longer to maintain the set temperatures when the weather is extremely cold, potentially causing bills to be higher than expected.  

"During the colder months, heating systems typically account for more than 40 percent of customers’ energy bills because extreme weather generally triggers significant increases in energy use at home," said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. "Even when the thermostat is kept at the same temperature, heating units must work harder to maintain the set temperature. Without taking steps to save energy during these times, energy bills will reflect additional usage and will likely be higher than in months when temperatures are more moderate. We encourage all customers to think about simple steps they can take in their home to save energy each day, no matter the temperature outside." 

Customers who heat with older model electric heat pumps are especially vulnerable to sharp increases in usage when auxiliary heating is activated during cold weather. Customers are encouraged to set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. For every degree below 73 during the colder months, customers may save two to four percent on heating costs. Customers who heat with natural gas should consider setting the thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. 

"While colder temperatures are the primary driver for increased energy use during the heating season, there are many other contributing factors, some of which may not be as obvious," said Dodson. "When it’s bitter cold outside, many families spend more time at home, cooking, watching television, and using computers and other electronics. While we can’t control the weather, customers can control how they use energy, even during periods of extreme temperatures."

The WinterReady section on bge.com is specifically designed to help customers weather the cold temperatures that affect central Maryland each year. The following are steps that all customers can take to reduce energy consumption and lower heating bills: 

* During the winter, for systems other than heat pumps, set thermostats at 68 degrees F, if health

allows. Natural gas customers should consider setting the thermostat to 68 degrees during the day

and 65 degrees at night. This can help customers see a 3-4 percent decrease in energy use.

* Change the furnace filter regularly. A dirty filter forces the furnace to work harder.

* Install an approved insulation blanket around the water heater and insulate the first three feet of

water pipe (keep insulation at least 6 inches from the flue on gas water heaters).

* Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees F and conserve hot water when you can.

Heating water is the second largest energy user in your home in the winter months.

* Open curtains and drapes during the day, to let the sun warm your home, and close them at night for

insulation.

* Don’t heat unused spaces. Close vents in unused rooms and shut doors to unused rooms, closets

and basements.

* Caulk and weather strip windows and doors to keep cold air out.

* Check/add attic insulation to reach a level of R-38 or 12 inches.

* Wash clothes in cold or warm water and rinse in cold water to reduce water heater usage.

* Over the long term, make your home or business more energy efficient, using BGE’s Quick Home

Energy Check-up or Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, improved insulation, high

efficiency appliances and other measures. The Winter Ready section on BGE’s website is

specifically designed to help customers reduce energy usage and weather the cold temperatures that

affect central Maryland each year.

* Have the furnace checked by a licensed professional to be sure it is operating efficiently and seal

any leaks in furnace ducts. BGE offers rebates for these and other home efficiency improvements

through the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program®.

Shopping for a competitive third-party supplier, combined with the offerings of BGE’s Smart Energy Savers

, provides customers with many options for reducing their energy bill and better managing energy

costs this winter. Customers are encouraged to visit bge.com and www.bgesmartenergy.com for more

energy-saving tips.

For those customers enrolled in the voluntary PeakRewards

Saver Water Heater Switch program, BGE may activate a cycling event, which is expected to last up to

three hours in the morning and evening. For those customers who have agreed to have a water heater device

installed in exchange for bill credits, BGE will turn off electricity to their water heater, meaning water will

not be heated until the event ends. In most cases, water in the tank prior to program activation will remain

warm. BGE is unable to predict when the cycling event will end, however, customers participating in the

water heater programs can stay updated about cycling event on the PeakRewards

Event Central Page and

can also sign-up to receive email or text message alerts through their BGE.com accounts. Details on how to

sign-up for cycling event notifications are available on: BGEsavings.com/peakrewards-notifications.

Additionally, while BGE does expect to be able to meet increased natural gas and electric demand in

response to the forecasted cold temperatures, BGE does encourage customers to prepare in advance for any

weather-related service interruptions. Although overall reliability has improved by approximately 20 percent

since 2010, as a result of consistent investment in infrastructure improvements, extreme weather can cause

service interruptions. BGE continues to invest in infrastructure improvements to further reduce the number

and duration of customer interruptions. BGE appreciates customers’ efforts to prepare in advance for cold

weather and to assist BGE by reporting any service issues or down wires, should they occur.

Emergency preparations should include:

* Staying 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.

* Making a plan – Discuss and document an emergency plan with those in your care. Develop an

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 (Customers with Special Needs). 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.

* Making 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. Customers are also able to report power outages from mobile phones and devices through

the mobile website at bge.com.

* Maintaining an emergency supply 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. Any customers using generators or portable heaters

should carefully follow all safety instructions from the manufacturer. Improper use of this equipment or

other appliances can result in potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other dangerous

conditions.

Customers can find information on preparing for extreme weather on bge.com and through myBGE on

Twitter and Facebook.

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