​BALTIMORE, Jan. 2, 2014 – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is closely monitoring the

potential impact of forecasted winter weather conditions that include temperatures in the teens or single

digits into next week. BGE has gas and electric crews prepared to respond to any service interruptions,

and urges customers to conserve energy and ensure they are prepared with a winter emergency plan and

supplies. The Winter Ready section of BGE’s website at BGE.com/WinterReady has important

information on preparing for cold temperatures and managing energy bills.

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. While gas and electricity usage for most customers increases during extremely cold

weather, usage for customers who heat with electric heat pumps may actually double because auxiliary

heating is activated when the temperature drops to below freezing.

"We appreciate our customers’ efforts to prepare in advance for cold weather and to assist BGE by

reporting any service issues, should they occur," said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer

officer for BGE. "Difficult winter road conditions can delay crew travel and service restoration times

and extreme temperatures can cause energy use to increase, making it extremely important for customers

to be prepared in advance."

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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