From BGE External Affairs Manager
Winter Readiness
As temperatures dip and winter quickly approaches, I would like to provide you with information about BGE’s preparations for winter and customer resources to help customers during the 2021-2022 heating season. BGE completed several major infrastructure enhancement projects, and its natural gas and electric systems. Last year, BGE invested nearly $1.4 billion in infrastructure improvements and maintenance of the company's electric system.
These system upgrades, inspections and maintenance will help to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of natural gas and electric service for BGE’s 1.3 million electric and 680,000 natural gas customers throughout the heating season. 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 decreased 45 percent and outage length has been reduced by 38 percent. The company actively explores innovative technologies to improve system reliability. Examples include using drones to enable efficient and safer equipment inspections, installing equipment that can automatically restore service or isolate damage, and providing storm restoration staff with mobile apps that help them and get to jobs faster.
One major component of our winter preparations is helping customers who may be challenged by winter energy costs. Assistance is available for BGE customers, including those with limited household incomes who need help in paying their energy bills.
For your information, we have included links to several helpful resources for customers:
• Bill help Throughout the pandemic, we have been working closely with customers to
offer flexible payment arrangements and direct customers to energy assistance resources. The key is contacting BGE as soon as possible. BGE encourages customers not to wait until they are in crisis to ask for help but rather to contact their local Office of Home Energy Programs online or by calling 1-800-352-1446 to learn about programs available to them.
• BGE’s content hub which features information and tips on saving energy and money, even on the coldest days.
• BGE's 2020-2021 Consumer Resource Guide which is a collection of resources and information about assistance programs of all kinds – federal, state, and local, as well as programs from BGE and non-profit providers. Click here for a Spanish language version of this resource.
• The BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® website at bgesmartenergy.com lists the energy efficiency and conservation programs available to BGE customers.
During the colder months, heating systems typically account for more than 40 percent of customers’ energy bills because extreme weather triggers significant increases in energy use at home. Even when the thermostat is kept at the same temperature, heating units work harder to maintain the set temperature. Without taking steps to save energy during these times, energy bills will reflect additional usage and will likely be higher than in months when temperatures are more moderate. BGE encourages customers to practice these simple steps:
• Maintain Your Heating Systems and Gas and Electric Appliances – Most of your cold
weather energy expenses are related to heating your home. Schedule service for your heating system to find out what maintenance is required to keep your system operating safely and efficiently. Use only licensed appliance technicians and plumbers to inspect and service natural gas appliances such as stoves, water heaters, furnaces, dryers, gas fireplaces and other gas equipment. Home electric equipment and wiring should also be routinely inspected and maintained by licensed electricians and appliance technicians.
• Lower Your Water Heating Costs – Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy
consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save.
• Adjust the Temperature – When you are at home and awake, set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable for you. When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating bills. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature. If you have a heat pump, maintain a moderate setting or use a programmable thermostat specially designed for use with heat pumps.
• My Account Online Tools – Your BGE online account contains tools and detailed energy usage information. By viewing your energy usage right after you use it, comparing usage trends, and discovering the results of energy-saving practices, you can manage your energy more efficiently. Log onto BGE.com/MyAccount to get started.
• Budget Billing Options - Customers may also consider BGE’s Budget Billing program, which evens out payments over a 12-month period so customers are not as affected by increases in usage triggered by extreme weather conditions.
• Sign up for High Usage Alerts - Receive a notification by text, email, phone, or mobile app alerts (To receive mobile app alerts, sign up through the BGE mobile app.) if your energy usage is trending higher than usual so you can take steps to reduce your use before your bill arrives. You can also set a budget threshold to alert you when your bill is projected to be higher than a specific amount each month. Login to My Account BGE.com/MyNotifications.
• Keep Your Natural Gas Appliances Vents Clear – Know where your natural gas appliances vent to the exterior and ensure the vents are clear. If these vents become blocked by snow or ice, exhaust may back up resulting in carbon monoxide build-up or a release of natural gas. If you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak, get to a safe location (at least 100 feet away) and immediately call 9-1-1 or BGE at 1-877-778-7798.