Friday, 25 February 2011 15:31

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Closely Monitoring Weather in Anticipation of Possible Power Outages Resulting from Another Round of High Wind Forecasted for Today and Tomorrow

Trees and tree limbs already weakened by wet ground and last weekend’s wind storm could come down onto power lines, causing outages

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) today announced that it is closely monitoring an approaching weather system that is forecasted to bring high wind into its Central Maryland service area today and Saturday, possibly causing electric service interruptions. The saturated ground combined with wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour could cause trees already weakened by last weekend’s wind storm to fall onto power lines and other electric delivery equipment, causing interruptions to electric service. Customers are reminded to stay informed on restoration efforts via www.bge.com, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.

“BGE is closely monitoring this approaching weather system and has already made some staffing adjustments in anticipation of possible power outages resulting from the forecasted high wind,” said A. Christopher Burton, senior vice president of gas and electric operations and planning for BGE. “In addition to canceling non-emergency maintenance work, the work schedules of BGE linemen and contract tree crews have been adjusted such that they are positioned to begin restoration work as soon as it is safe to do so. For safety reasons, however, work involving bucket trucks could be delayed until the high wind dies down, which could extend restoration durations. We thank our customers in advance for their cooperation and understanding.”

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

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