BGE Grid and Gas System Investments Keep the Power On During Severe Winter Storm

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After one of the most intense winter storms to hit Maryland in recent years, BGE's electric system delivered strong, reliable performance - with only minimal outages across Maryland. The storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, but thanks to our dedicated gas and electric crews working around the clock and years of strategic investments in the electric grid and gas systems, customers kept their lights and heat on throughout the event with only minimal electric outages.

BGE's ongoing work to modernize and strengthen the local energy grid played a central role in this performance. Upgrades such as stronger poles and wires, automation, tree trimming, and new underground equipment helped the system withstand the storm and quickly isolate issues when they occurred.

BGE's 700,000 gas customers, many of whom rely on natural gas to heat their homes and businesses, benefitted from BGE's proactive replacement of century-old, brittle gas pipes. On Saturday and Sunday, the BGE gas system was delivering - and at some points, exceeding - the energy equivalent of the highest ever demand on our electric system - every hour for nearly a 48-hour period.

"Our customers count on us most when the weather is at its worst," said Tamla Olivier, president and CEO of BGE. "This storm showed exactly why we've been investing in a stronger grid. These improvements helped prevent outages, shorten the few that did occur, and keep families safe and warm."

In recent years, BGE has installed thousands of automated devices that reroute power around trouble spots, upgraded substations, and expanded digital tools that improve outage detection and response. These investments have steadily reduced both the frequency and duration of outages for customers, and automation alone prevents nearly two million sustained outages each year. Upgrades to the BGE gas system-the oldest in the country-have helped reduce underground leaks by 45% over the last decade+.

BGE continues to balance reliability improvements with affordability, ensuring that every investment is made responsibly and with customer costs in mind.

BGE will continue making targeted, long-term upgrades that support reliability, the state of Maryland's ambitious climate goals, and the evolving needs of Maryland homes and businesses.