CEG Constellation Energy Grp. Common Stock

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Continues to Monitor Hurricane Frances Customers Urged to Prepare for the Possibility of Power Outages As Remnants of Frances Pass Through Region Next Week BALTIMORE, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE:CEG), today announced that it is making available certain contractor and a limited number of company personnel to assist Florida utilities with power restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Frances. Additionally, BGE continues to monitor Frances as it approaches the eastern United States, and continues to urge its customers to use the long Labor Day holiday weekend to prepare for the possibility of power outages should remnants of the storm affect the BGE service territory toward the end of next week. "The only thing predictable about a hurricane is its unpredictability," 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. "While Frances is not expected to have nearly the same impact on BGE's Central Maryland service territory as it will in Florida, it still could bring high wind and heavy rain by the time it reaches our area. This along with 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. With that in mind, it's important our customers take steps now to prepare for the possibility of power outages." BGE has been in close contact with other East Coast utilities, especially those in Florida, and as part of an existing mutual assistance network, is making available more than 150 contractor and a limited number of company personnel to assist with restoration activities. They include contract tree and overhead line personnel as well as company transmission line and logistics personnel. BGE will continue to work closely with southern utilities to determine what additional BGE resources could be re-deployed in response to Hurricane Frances while maintaining its own ability to respond to any impact on Central Maryland. The utility also continues to make its own preparations in accordance with its existing severe impact storm plan, which is exercised annually. To better help customers prepare for this and other storms, BGE recommends its customers 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 and Linda J. Foy, both of 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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