​BALTIMORE, MD (June 9, 2022) — BGE is prepared for summer heat and extreme weather and urges customers to take steps now that can help manage their energy use and protect their families and properties. 

Energy Efficiency 

Customers can save energy and lower their bills this summer by following a few simple tips: 

• Schedule a Quick Home Energy Check-up: This free one-hour walk-through of your home with a certified efficiency professional provides a report that includes recommendations on how to reduce your energy usage. Schedule a Check-up here!
• Maintain your A/C system: Most summer energy expenses are directly related to cooling your home. Regular maintenance will keep your system running at peak efficiency. Schedule a free HVAC system tune-up here!
• Reduce hot water usage: Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy consumption. Install faucet aerators and efficient flow showerheads and adjust your water heater to 120°F or the low setting.
• Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. Raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you're away or sleeping.
• Close window shades and blinds: Block heat from sunlight which will keep your A/C from working harder.
• Conserve with lighting: Turn off unnecessary lights and use LEDs which use less energy.
• Reduce kitchen heat: Cook outdoors on a grill or use your microwave when possible.
• Keep the air moving: Run your ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan counterclockwise to produce downward airflow and a cooling effect.
• Use MyAccount online tools: Track your energy usage in near-real time, measure energy-saving practices, and set high-usage alerts.
• Take advantage of Energy Savings Days:  Energy Savings Days occur when the demand for electricity is expected to be particularly high. You will be notified the day before to use less electricity between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and earn bill credits!

Storm Preparedness 

As a result of continued investments in electric system upgrades, new innovative technologies, and the company's dedicated employees, BGE's ability to provide quality electric power and promptly restore power after an outage is stronger now than ever before. However, customers should still have a plan in place, especially during hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30. 

In 2021, the average number of interruptions experienced by customers was the second lowest rate in BGE's history. Since 2010, the number of electric outages has decreased 45 percent and outage length has been reduced by 37 percent. 

BGE invested nearly $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements and operations and maintenance of the company's electric system in 2021. Since 2014, BGE has invested $11.8 billion in improving and operating and maintaining both the gas and electric systems serving our customers.

As BGE prepares, customers should prepare before severe weather events:

• Connect with BGE for additional ways to report outages and keep informed about an outage:
• Download BGE's free mobile app at the Apple Store or Google Play.
• Sign up for text, email and/or phone alerts at bge.com/alerts.
• Text "ADDOUTAGE" to MYBGE (69243), for two-way texting.
• Store a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods.

• Keep cell phones and mobile devices charged.
• Customers with landlines should keep a corded phone to report outages if cell phones lose power.
• Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
• Customers requiring refrigeration for medication or electricity for medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in the event of an extended power outage.
• Bookmark BGE's outage map at bge.com/outagemap for general information on outages.
  

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BGE is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility, providing safe and reliable energy delivery to more than 1.3 million electric customers and more than 690,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company was founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility and remains headquartered in Baltimore City to this day. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation's leading energy utility company. Engage with the latest BGE stories on bgenow.com and connect with BGE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.