Tips to Protect Your Family & Property During Extreme Weather
May 5, 2022
BGE is prepared to respond to extreme weather and urges customers to take steps now that can help protect their families and properties, especially during hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30.
In 2021, the average number of interruptions experienced by customers was the second lowest rate in BGE’s history. BGE also restored power at the second fastest rate ever when customers did experience an outage. Since 2010, the number of electric outages has decreased 45 percent and outage length has been reduced by 38 percent.
The company actively explores innovative technologies that can improve system reliability. Examples include using drones to enable more efficient equipment inspections, installing specialized equipment that can automatically restore service or isolate damage, and providing storm restoration staff with mobile apps that help them identify and get to jobs faster.
BGE invested approximately $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements and operations and maintenance of the company’s electric system in 2021. Since 2014, BGE has invested more than $11.8 billion in improving and operating and maintaining the gas and electric systems serving our customers.
As part of the Exelon family of companies, BGE can draw on resources from sister utilities Delmarva Power in Delaware, PECO in Pennsylvania, Atlantic City Electric in New Jersey, Pepco in Washington, D.C., and ComEd in Illinois to help with power restoration after major storms.
As BGE prepares, customers should prepare before severe weather events. Connect with BGE for additional ways to report outages and get status updates:
Download BGE’s free mobile app at the Apple Store or Google Play.
Sign up for text, email and/or phone alerts at bge.com/alerts.
Text “ADDOUTAGE” to MYBGE (69243), for two-way texting.
Store a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods.
Keep cell phones and mobile devices charged.
Have a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
Customers requiring refrigeration for medication or electricity for medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in the event of an extended power outage.
Bookmark BGE’s enhanced outage map at bge.com/outage map for general information on outages in BGE’s service area.
Customers can also save energy and lower their bills this summer by following a few simple tips:
Maintain your A/C system: Most warm weather energy expenses are directly related to cooling your home. Regular maintenance will keep your system running at peak efficiency.
Use MyAccount online tools: Track your energy usage in near-real time. Compare energy usage trends, measure energy-saving practices, and set alerts to know when usage is trending high.
Reduce hot water usage: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of home energy consumption. Install faucet aerators and efficient flow showerheads and adjust your hot water heater to 120°F, or the low setting, to lower usage.
Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you're away or sleeping.
Close window shades and blinds: Sunlight passing through windows heats your home and makes your air conditioner work harder. Block this heat by closing your window shades and blinds.
Conserve with lighting: Turn off unnecessary lights and use LEDs, which can save you about $80 in electricity costs over their lifetime.
Keep the air moving: Run your ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling fan counterclockwise to produce downward airflow and a cooling effect.
Take advantage of Energy Savings Days: Energy Savings Days occur when the demand for electricity is expected to be particularly high, typically on very hot summer weekdays when both homes and businesses are using higher amounts of electricity.
You will be notified (via phone, email or text), usually the day before a BGE Energy Savings Day. Use less electricity between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on an Energy Savings Day and earn bill credits! I hope that you all find this information helpful.
