March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 52 F

Storm Update #1: BGE Information

BGE Working Under Hazardous Conditions

Note: As with past storms, in an effort to get information out as fast as possible, we will simply provide the updates as provided to us.

From BGE:

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG), today announced it has restored electric service to more than 28,000 customers since the winter storm began to impact Central Maryland Friday afternoon. However, the utility expects the number of customers without power to increase steadily as the wet, heavy snow and high wind continue to weigh down trees and tree limbs, bringing them down onto power lines and other electric equipment.

“BGE crews have been working around-the-clock to restore electric service to customers as quickly and as safely as possible, however, until this weather system clears our service area, additional outages will continue to impact our customers” said A. Christopher Burton, senior vice president of gas and electric operations and planning for BGE. “Our field forces are working under extremely hazardous driving conditions which will extend crew arrival times. Additionally, once crews arrive at job sites, the area must be made safe, snow and tree debris must also be cleared before work can begin to repair or replace the electric equipment.  All of this will extend outage durations. We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we work through this very challenging storm.”

Approximately 850 BGE and contract personnel are actively engaged in the storm restoration process. Additionally, approximately 300 linemen and support staff from Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio are expected to arrive later today and begin assisting BGE with the restoration, bringing the total number of field and support resources to approximately 1,150.

It is far too early to determine when all customers will be restored to service but the restoration effort is likely to continue for several days. BGE is working very closely with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and local jurisdictions to ensure a coordinated effort.

To assist customers in managing extended outages, BGE reminds customers to keep the following items readily available:

  • Flashlights – not candles
  • Fresh batteries
  • Battery operated clock radio
  • Corded telephone
  • Fully charged cell phone
  • Non-perishable foods
  • 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 our customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.  Customers using a generator or space heater should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas.

    Additionally, customers with special needs such as those who may be elderly, handicapped or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage. BGE’s restoration priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such as 911 centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest.

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