BALTIMORE -- BGE is prepared to respond to extreme weather and urges customers to take steps now that can help protect their families and properties. As a result of continued investments in electric system upgrades, new innovative technologies, and the company's dedicated employees, BGE's ability to provide quality electric power and promptly restore power after an outage is stronger now than ever before. However, customers should still have a plan in place, especially during hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30.

In 2020, the average number of interruptions experienced by customers was the second lowest rate in BGE's history. Since 2010, the number of electric outages has decreased 45 percent and outage length has been reduced by 38 percent.

"BGE continues to invest in our system and train as a team, which helps us deliver the quality electric power that our customers expect and need in their daily lives," said BGE President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Woerner. "We strive to emphasize innovation in every aspect of our business, to ensure we are prepared to meet the demands of extreme summer weather, and we also urge our customers to prepare for extreme weather situations not just during the summer storm and heat season, but year-round."

The company actively explores innovative technologies to help improve system reliability and avoid lengthy outages. Examples include using drones to enable more efficient and safer 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 nearly $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements and operations and maintenance of the company's electric system in 2020. Since 2014, BGE has invested $11.8 billion in improving and operating and maintaining both 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 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 keep informed about an outage:

- 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.

Customers with landlines should keep a corded phone to report outages if cell phones lose power.

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/outagemap 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% of home energy consumption. Install faucet aerators and efficient flow showerheads and adjust your 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. Raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat to save even more. 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 A/C work harder. Block this heat by closing your window blinds or drapes.

Conserve with lighting: Turn off unnecessary lights and use LEDs, which can save you about $80 in electricity costs over their lifetime.

Reduce kitchen heat: Cook outdoors on a grill when possible.

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!

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BGE is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility, providing safe and reliable energy delivery to more than 1.3 million electric customers and more than 680,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company was founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility and remains headquartered in Baltimore City to this day. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation's leading competitive energy provider. Engage with the latest BGE stories on bgenow.com and connect with BGE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

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