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
Rachael Lighty
rachael.lighty@bge.com
All public and private elementary schools have until Nov. 14 to create their own rendition of BGE’s original ‘Wires Down’ television commercial and submit it online at bgevideochallenge.com for a chance to win between $1,000 and $10,000
This year’s challenge features multiple opportunities to win in each of the counties throughout BGE’s central Maryland electric service area, including awards that acknowledge creativity and the video with the highest number of votes
BALTIMORE (Nov. 10, 2014) - As the Nov. 14 deadline for BGE’s Wires Down Video Challenge approaches, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) encourages elementary schools to create their own rendition of BGE’s popular "Wires Down" electrical safety commercial for the chance to win between $1,000 and $10,000 to fund a school enrichment program. BGE’s Wires Down Video Challenge provides an opportunity for elementary school students (kindergarten through fifth grade) in public and private elementary schools across BGE’s electric service area to use their creativity and imagination to produce their own adaption of BGE’s popular "Wires Down" electrical safety commercial. All public and private elementary schools have until Nov. 14 to create a 30-45 second video and submit it online at bgevideochallenge.com. At least one winning school will be chosen from each participating county, as well as Baltimore City.
"At BGE, safety is our top priority and we believe it is essential for children to know the dangers of downed power lines and to learn the importance of electrical safety," said Calvin G. Butler Jr., chief executive officer for BGE. "It’s not too late for schools to submit videos. BGE will be awarding up to $33,000 to the winning schools. We look forward to the submissions and wish all participating schools the best of luck."
The Emmy Award winning "Wires Down" commercial was produced in 2000 and with its "do not, do not, do not touch" refrain, the commercial introduced a memorable song that educated young children about the dangers of downed power lines. In 2012, BGE re-introduced "Wires Down" to a new generation of elementary school students with the establishment of the Wires Down Video Challenge to provide educators with a fun and creative way to teach students about electrical safety, while also promoting teamwork and school spirit. The challenge also provides an opportunity for the teachers and students to share important electrical safety information with their families and friends. Since inception of the Wires Down Video Challenge, BGE has awarded $50,000 to fund school enrichment programs at 19 schools throughout the BGE service area.
Participating schools will have the opportunity to win the following awards:
Visit www.bgevideochallenge.com for contest information, including official rules, downloadable entry kit and tips. Watch the Wires Down Video Challenge sizzle reel to see highlights from the previous two years.
"BGE has a long-standing commitment to ensuring public safety and supporting educational initiatives in our communities," continued Butler. "Our Wires Down Video Challenge does both. In addition to this contest, we provide schools and students with energy safety and other educational materials on safety, including classroom lessons, teacher guides, experiments and games – all of which are available on our e-Smart Kids website."
A variety of energy safety resources, including demonstrations and online educational materials, are made available to the public through the Wires Down Video Challenge. BGE also provides free in-school electric safety demonstrations conducted by a BGE lineman. Teachers or administrators interested in a natural gas or electric safety demonstration at their school should send an email to BGEeducationalOutreach@constellation.com.
BGE asks all customers stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately by calling 1.800.685.0123. Please share the following electrical safety information with your community:
Visit BGE.com for more information. To access resources please visit the Wires Down Video Challenge site, the Electrical Safety page or the e-Smart Kids portal.
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BGE, headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility, delivering power to more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 655,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company’s approximately 3,400 employees are committed to the safe and reliable delivery of 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 2013 revenues of approximately $24.9 billion. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.