BGE Readies for Possible Impact of Hurricane Frances; Customers Strongly Encouraged to Take Steps Now to Prepare
September 03 2004 - 1:14PM
PR Newswire (US)
BGE Readies for Possible Impact of Hurricane Frances; Customers
Strongly Encouraged to Take Steps Now to Prepare BALTIMORE, Sept. 3
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE),
a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG), today announced
that it continues to closely monitor Hurricane Frances as it
approaches the eastern United States. In addition to its own
preparations, BGE strongly encourages its customers to take time
over the long Labor Day holiday weekend to prepare for the
possibility of power outages should Hurricane Frances affect the
BGE service territory next week. "Without sounding alarmist, BGE is
encouraging its customers to give consideration to what steps they
can take now to prepare for the possibility of power outages should
the remnants of Hurricane Frances pass through our region," said
Kenneth W. DeFontes, vice president of electric transmission and
distribution for BGE, and recently named to succeed Frank O. Heintz
as president and chief executive officer of the utility, effective
Oct. 1. "The combination of strong wind and heavy rain on top of an
already moist soil could result in tree limbs and even whole trees
toppling onto BGE overhead lines as well as impact its underground
power lines. To that end, BGE has begun to implement certain parts
of its electric delivery emergency response plan and is in the
process of evaluating the necessary personnel and resources that
would be required should the storm impact BGE's Central Maryland
service territory." In addition to making its own preparations in
accordance with its existing severe impact storm plan, BGE has been
in close contact with East Coast utilities, including those in
Florida, to determine what BGE resources could be redeployed to the
Southeast U.S. in response to Hurricane Frances while maintaining
its own ability to respond to any impact on Central Maryland. To
better help customers prepare for this and other storms, customers
should consider the following: -- Keep emergency telephone numbers
in a convenient location along with the following items: portable
radio with fresh batteries, flashlights, corded telephone, bottled
water, manual can opener, matches, battery-operated or wind-up
clock, canned and dried food, first aid kit, fuses, and Sterno. --
During a loss of power, call BGE at 1-877-778-2222 to report the
outage. Do not assume the utility is aware of the outage simply
because of a loss of power. -- Avoid downed wires and trees.
Immediately, report downed wires to BGE at the number above and
warn others to stay away. -- If dependent upon electrically powered
medical equipment, make alternate arrangements NOW in the event
electric service is interrupted. -- Take steps to keep perishable
food and medicine cold, including keeping freezers and
refrigerators closed as much as possible. BGE reminds its customers
that in order to better support restoration efforts, BGE is no
longer distributing dry ice. -- Disconnect sensitive electronic
equipment such as computers and televisions to avoid surge damage.
(Surges can occur at other times, so customers may want to consider
purchasing surge protectors for sensitive equipment.) -- Though the
exact path of Frances is unclear, high wind could occur. Customers
should secure or move inside items that may become projectiles
during high wind. -- If on a well system, fill bathtubs with cold
water. -- Stay at home or seek shelter if a storm is approaching.
If outside in any severe weather event, stay away from trees and
metal objects. BGE is a member of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG),
a Fortune 500 integrated energy company based in Baltimore.
Constellation Energy is the nation's leading competitive supplier
of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers. It
owns and operates a diversified fleet of 35 power plants in 12
states. Additionally, Constellation Energy markets energy
nationally and manages the associated risks, providing value-added
services for its customers. The company also delivers electricity
and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
(BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland. In 2003, the
combined revenues of the integrated energy company totaled $9.7
billion. DATASOURCE: Baltimore Gas and Electric Company CONTACT:
Robert L. Gould or Linda J. Foy, Baltimore Gas and Electric
Company, +1-410-234-7433 Web site: http://www.constellation.com/
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/084087.html
Copyright
Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024