BGE Ready to Provide Safe and Reliable Service this Winter

As temperatures begin to dip, BGE has been working to ensure the company's natural gas and electric systems are ready to meet the energy needs of our customers all winter long. This work includes equipment inspections, repairs and replacements, preventive maintenance, and reinforcement projects.

Since 2010, major gas system reinforcements have also been installed in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. BGE is also replacing existing gas mains with durable new pipes that will deliver gas safely and reliably to communities well into the future at an accelerated rate. Since 2014, BGE has replaced more than 450 miles of gas main and more than 85,000 service pipes connecting customers to the gas system.

Electric system upgrades and maintenance in preparation for winter weather have occurred on schedule. In addition to inspecting more than 4,500 circuit miles of overhead power lines and more than 40,000 utility poles this year, the company also takes steps to minimize the threat to power lines by trees weakened by heavy snows and winter storms with extensive vegetation management near overhead lines. To learn more about the importance of tree and vegetation management in enhancing the reliability of energy delivery, visit BGE.com/TreeCare.

As BGE prepares for winter, customers are reminded to prepare as well, by following these helpful tips below as well as others that can be found at BGE.com/winter :

• Maintain Your Heating Systems - Most cold weather energy expenses are related to heating. Schedule service for your heating system to keep it operating efficiently.

• Lower Your Water Heater Temperature - Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Set your water heater at the warm setting (120°F) and save.

• Manage Your Thermostat -Keep thermostats set at a comfortable level, but for each degree you lower you can save about two percent on your heating bill. When you are asleep or out of the house, consistently lowering your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours could save approximately 10 percent on your bill.

• My Account Online Tools - Your BGE online account contains tools and detailed energy usage information. By viewing your energy usage, comparing trends, and discovering the results of energy-saving practices, you can manage your energy more efficiently. Log onto BGE.com/MyAccount to get started.

• Sign up for High Usage Alerts - Receive a notification by phone, email, or text if your energy usage is trending higher than usual so you can take steps to reduce your use before your bill arrives. You can also set a budget threshold to alert you when your bill is projected to be higher than a specific amount each month. Login to My Account to sign up for High Usage Alerts at BGE.com/MyNotifications.

• Keep Your Natural Gas Appliances Vents Clear - Know where your natural gas appliances vent to the exterior and ensure the vents are clear so that they work properly.

BGE customers are encouraged to visit BGE.com/alerts before winter weather grips the region. Customers can receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via text, email, or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored. In addition, customers can text "ADDOUTAGE" to MYBGE (69243), to enroll in our two-way texting program to report outages and check the status of an outage.