When adverse weather affects our service area, BGE is prepared. If you experience a power outage or need to report a downed wire, please call 877.778.2222. BGE asks all customers, including those with smart meters, to report their outage. Outages may also be reported online, by texting OUT to MYBGE (69243), and via BGE’s free mobile app available today at the Apple Store or GooglePlay. BGE crews work as safely and quickly as possible to restore power.
For Immediate Release
Contact
Justin Mulcahy
justin.mulcahy@bge.com
Metallic balloons can cause power outages for customers
BALTIMORE (Feb. 12, 2016) – While love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, airborne Mylar and other foil-coated balloons can lead to outages when they come into contact with power lines. Untethered balloons cause thousands of unnecessary electric service interruptions each year for BGE customers.
When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can cause the equipment to short-circuit. These types of outages can be prevented.
BGE encourages customers to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind:
BGE customers can learn about more safety tips for the season by visiting bge.com.
###
BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, delivering 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. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2014 revenues of approximately $27.4 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.