For Immediate Release
Contact
Rachael Lighty
rachael.lighty@bge.com
High wind is expected to continue throughout the day and may cause new outages howeverCompany expects the vast majority of customers to be restored by late this evening
BALTIMORE (March 13, 2014) — Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) has restored service to more than 26,000 customers affected by Wednesday evening and Thursday’s morning’s rain and wind storm. The storm brought with it sustained wind of up to 30 miles per hour and wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour throughout the night. High wind conditions combined with saturated ground brought trees and tree limbs down onto power lines and other electric delivery equipment causing outages. BGE increased its number of crews working overnight to respond to weather-related outages as quickly and as safely as possible. As high wind conditions continue throughout the day Thursday, new outages are possible however; the company expects the vast majority of customer to be restored by late this evening. BGE reminds to customers to stay away from downed power lines and to report both outage and downed wires by calling 1.877.778.2222. Customers may also report their outage via a mobile phone or device at bge.com.
―BGE has made solid progress restoring electric service to customers as safely and as quickly as possible, even during times of extremely high wind,‖ said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. ―In areas sustaining significant tree-related damage, BGE crews must first assess the damage and remove the tree debris before actual repairs to electric delivery equipment can be made. Due to the labor and time intensive nature of this type of work, restoration durations may be extended. In addition, work involving bucket trucks may be delayed during periods of high sustained wind of 30 miles per hour or more. We thank our customers for their patience and for reporting downed wires and outages to BGE.
An enhanced power outage map is also available through the mobile and full websites, and provides the 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.
Customers with special needs, such as those who may be elderly, disabled or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage.
Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas. 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 potential deadly carbon monoxide poisoning, fire or other dangerous conditions.
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: