BGE Prepares For Possible Power Outages
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- BGE is monitoring the weather and is prepared for possible electric service interruptions caused by rain, forecasted snow and high wind gusts.
Saturday's wintry mix could leave as much as 3-6 inches of snow spread across certain portions of BGE's central Maryland service territory and has the potential to coat canopied trees, as well as power lines and other electric delivery equipment, with heavy, wet snow.
These conditions, combined with wind gusts of up to 25-30 miles per hour, could bring down whole trees and tree limbs onto power lines and cause power outages. In addition, the majority of the trees in BGE's service territory have not yet shed their foliage. As a result, the foliage will provide more surface area for the snow to stick to, adding to the weight of the branches, and likely resulting in more tree limbs falling.
Some outages may be extended as hazardous road conditions could delay crew arrival times.
"In anticipation of the storm's arrival, BGE proactively increased the number of field personnel scheduled to work throughout the weekend and has the ability to call in additional resources should conditions warrant," said A. Christopher Burton, senior vice president of gas and electric operations and planning for BGE. "In addition, hundreds of other BGE field and office personnel are available should they be needed during any restoration effort. The vast majority of BGE employees have storm assignments and are prepared to quickly transition into those roles if need be."
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.
Customers using a generator should follow manufacturer instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas.
Customers are always reminded to stay away from downed power lines and to report them immediately by calling 1-410-685-0123.
Power outages should be reported by calling BGE's automated system at 1-877-778-2222. For more information about BGE storm preparation and how customers can protect their families and property, go to www.bge.com.
