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Temperatures well below freezing are common for central Maryland during winter, and that means customers will use more energy to keep their homes and businesses comfortable. BGE would like to remind customers of the following tips to help them reduce energy use, save money and stay safe.
Maintain Your Heating Systems – Most cold weather energy expenses are related to heating. Schedule service for your heating system to keep it operating efficiently.
Lower Your Water Heater Temperature – Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Set your water heater at the warm setting (120 degrees Fahrenheit) to save money.
Manage Your Thermostat – Keep thermostats set at a comfortable level, but for each degree you lower, you can save about 2% on your heating bill. When you are asleep or out of the house, consistently lowering your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours could save approximately 10% on your bill.
My Account Online Tools – Your BGE online account contains tools and detailed energy usage information. By viewing your energy usage, comparing trends, and discovering the results of energy-saving practices, you can manage your energy more efficiently. Log onto www.bge.com/myaccount to get started.
Sign Up For High Usage Alerts – Receive a notification by phone, email, or text 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 to sign up for High Usage Alerts at www.bge.com/mynotifications.
Keep Your Natural Gas Appliance Vents Clear – Know where your natural gas appliances vent to the exterior and ensure vents are clear so that they work properly.
BGE customers are encouraged to visit www.bge.com/alerts in advance of extreme weather. Customers can receive updates on their energy usage and information regarding power outages via text, email or phone, including when power is out, when service is expected to be restored, or when power is restored.
BGE asks all customers to report their outage in any of the following ways:
These reporting services are available 24/7.
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately, go at least 100 feet away, and contact 911 or BGE at 877-778-7798.
As an additional step to ensure their safety, customers should identify the location of outside utility equipment such as natural gas or electric meters that could be covered in snow and may be damaged during snow removal. Please use a broom or brush to gently clear the area around meters of anything blocking it, including debris, ice and snow. Do not melt ice or snow on meters with a heat source, and do not chip or scrape ice. It is also important to remove icicles that hang over the meter.
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