The company turns 200 on June 17, 2016

BALTIMORE (June 16, 2016) — On June 17, 1816, artist Rembrant Peale incorporated the Gas Light Company of Baltimore, following the successful lighting of gas lamps at his museum on Holliday Street a few days earlier. Peale’s company was the first gas company in the new world. On June 17, 2016, its direct descendant, BGE, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, will mark that founding 200 years ago with ceremonies throughout the company’s locations in central Maryland. The longest-tenured employee at each location will raise a special commemorative flag, to fly right under the American flag. Each employee will also receive the “BGE at 200” coffee table book commissioned for the occasion.

“Our 3200 employees are extremely proud to work at BGE at this point in the company’s history,” said chief executive officer Calvin G. Butler Jr. “As we reflect on our longevity in central Maryland, we continue to explore new ways to serve our customers and the region so we can keep moving smart energy forward.”

The company’s 200th anniversary milestone is also significant to the city of Baltimore, where other notable “firsts” include the country’s first railroad company and first post office system, distinguishing Baltimore as a city of innovation. This was the theme this past March when the city hosted Light City Baltimore, a festival of light, music and innovation. BGE was the lead sponsor of this event as part of the company’s anniversary celebration.

BGE kicked off a series of events for employees, customers and partners in January 2016 with the theme of “Moving Smart Energy Forward.” Upcoming BGE bicentennial activities include:

• Customer Appreciation Month at the Orioles – BGE customers and employees will be eligible for discounted tickets at all remaining games in June
• BGE-sponsored Independence Day celebrations in Baltimore City and several communities across BGE’s service area – July 2-4
• Continued partnership with the nonprofit Art with a Heart to design and install 100 mosaics in communities throughout central Maryland, as a legacy gift to the service area

Earlier this month, along with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, the company announced plans to sponsor another legacy gift, a youth development park in West Baltimore. The Eddie Murray Field at BGE Park, named in honor of Baseball Hall of Famer and Baltimore Orioles legend Eddie Murray, will be home to James Mosher Baseball, the oldest continuously operating African-American youth baseball league in the country. The company is also planning a third legacy gift with a focus on education. To learn more about these and additional BGE 200th anniversary activities visit 200bge.com.

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BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation’s first gas utility, is Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility. Headquartered in Baltimore, BGE delivers 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. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.​