LETTER: Prepare for Possibility of Extended Power Outages

Dear Editor,

As Maryland braces for the first significant snowfall of the winter, BGE has been making preparations to minimize the impact of potential power outages caused by the storm. We have been mobilizing employees, opening regional staging areas and bringing in extra crews and equipment from outside our service area.

These are just the steps we take in the days ahead of storms. Actually, our storm preparations are part of a year-round focus on reliability that includes maintaining and upgrading equipment, vegetation management, training personnel and continually improving our capabilities.

Even with preparations, storms still will result in power outages, especially when conditions include high winds and wet snow. Our crews will be moving quickly to restore power as soon as it is safe to do so, but damaged equipment and tough weather conditions can slow the process.

That is why we strongly advise customers to take the time now to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. Please report your power outage. The easiest way to report and monitor an outage is through your mobile phone by visiting our mobile-optimized website at www.bge.com. You can also call 1.877.778.2222 to report an outage or downed wire.

For customers who rely on electric medical equipment, it’s essential that you have back up power sources and prepare for the option of an alternate location to wait out the storm in case of an extended outage. Those who have generators should ensure they operate them safely.

For updates on the storm clean-up, visit our website, follow myBGE on Twitter and Facebook, and stay tuned to the news. We thank all BGE customers in advance for preparing to weather this storm.

Sincerely,

Jeannette M. Mills

Vice President, Customer Operations & Chief Customer Officer

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company