BGE: Prepare for Outages

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is warning customers in the central Maryland area to prepare for weather-related outages as an approaching weather system is forecasting heavy rain Thursday night coupled with high winds Friday and Saturday.

In a statement issued by spokesperson Rachael Lighty Thursday morning, the utility said it was “proactively preparing” for outages, and directed customers to online tools for “enhanced customer service” tools.

“BGE continues to monitor the forecast high wind and heavy rain, which is expected to begin with rain on Thursday afternoon,” Jeannette Mills, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE said in the statement. “This expected weather brings the potential of trees falling onto power lines and damaging our electric delivery system causing outages.”

Mills said customers can report outages through the company’s automated outage line at 877-778-2222 or online or on a mobile device on BGE’s website. Customers can also receive updates by following BGE on Twitter and Facebook. 

According to BGE’s statement, the company’s newly designed outage map provides the “general location and status” of current outages, including number of customers affected, estimated time of restoration if available, and the status of crews assigned to the repair. 

In case of an outage, BGE recommends having a full tank of gas and keeping the following items readily available: 

• Flashlights – not candles
• Fresh batteries
• Battery-operated clock radio
• Corded telephone
• Fully charged cell phone
• Non-perishable foods
• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation
• First aid kit
• Local maps
• Blankets