Outage and Storm FAQs

Storm Center

What do I do if my power goes out?

If your service goes out, report the outage to us immediately. You can report your outage:

Online
Via our mobile app
By texting OUT to 69243 (if you haven't signed up for this service, first text ADD OUTAGE to 69243)
Through Facebook
Using your smart assistant
By calling 1-877-778-2222

How can I keep myself and my family safe during a storm?

For tips on how to stay safe during a storm, visit our Outage Readiness and Safety page.

Why doesn't my location show up on the outage map?

Outages often affect more than one address, so map icons may not appear at your exact location. For an update on your specific address, update My Notification Preferences, check the Outage Tracker, or use our mobile app.

When will my power come back on?

We work on restoring power to customers in the following order:

1. High-voltage transmission lines and equipment, to restore service to the largest number of affected customers

2. Critical public health and safety facilities, like hospitals, police and fire stations, and water treatment plants

3. Major distribution lines and high-density housing

4. Smaller neighborhoods and individual homes

Learn more about our restoration process.

What do I do if my lights are dim or flickering?

BGE's electrical system is designed to redirect power due to disturbances, such as when tree limbs make contact with power lines. To do this, the system quickly turns on and off, causing a flicker. Please give your power a few minutes to recover and then check your breakers. If you are still having an issue, report your dim or flickering status.

My family member uses medical equipment that needs electricity. What should we do to prepare for outages?

We know some customers have special needs due to age, disability, serious illness, or medical equipment that uses electricity. Making repairs safely and efficiently can take time. It’s important to have a backup plan in case of an extended power outage. Learn more about our restoration process.

How can I keep my food safe during an outage?

Visit our Outage Readiness and Safety page to learn more about keeping your food safe during an outage.

Will I be reimbursed for any damage or food loss?

BGE does not provide dry ice or reimburse for food loss due to a power outage. Please contact your homeowner's insurance company to file a claim.

Why didn't you clean up tree debris after the storm?

Our first priority in response to any storm is to restore service to customers as quickly and as safely as possible. BGE is responsible for cutting, trimming, or removing trees or branches that could affect our equipment.

Customers are responsible for disposing of tree debris due to damage from storms, ice, winds, or other natural causes.

After a storm, BGE crews need to focus on responding to power outage situations. If you need help with tree debris removal, visit TCIA.org to find local, accredited tree service companies. There is usually a cost for these companies’ services. However, counties often support removal if the tree debris is in a public space or on a road.

Why does my neighbor have power and I don’t?

Your neighbors may be on a different electric supply line. If damage to our system is limited to your section of the power grid, it's possible for some of your neighbors to still have power.

Why is the BGE truck idle on my street?

There are several reasons why a BGE truck or crew isn't actively working on equipment during an outage. BGE has mandated rest times to ensure the safety of our crews and equipment. Crews could also be staged and ready to work once repairs in another area are complete. Additionally, they may need to wait for tree trimming crews or other support staff to arrive or finish their work.

What do I do if I see a downed wire?

Never approach a downed power line; always assume a power line is energized and extremely dangerous. Call us immediately at 1-877-778-2222 to report a downed wire.

What is BGE doing to prevent future outages?

Managing trees and vegetation near equipment

Trees and vegetation coming in contact with energy equipment is a common cause of power outages. BGE crews prune trees to reduce the number of tree-related power interruptions. Learn more about what we do to reduce nature-related outages.

Investing in system upgrades and maintenance

We invest in our equipment to provide you with safer, more reliable power. This includes modernizing natural gas and developing a smarter, more resilient electric grid.

BGE has several engineering teams whose sole focus is making sure our distribution system is reliable. Some of their projects include installing automated equipment that helps BGE quickly diagnose and prevent long outages, and burying power lines. For more information, visit our Reliability Improvements page.