CEG Constellation Energy Grp. Common Stock

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

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