BGE's call for customers to conserve electricity ends after substation disconnection repairs

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) says its call to conserve electricity has ended, hours after a substation experienced an unplanned disconnection from BGE's electric grid.

The utility company had told customers to conserve electricity to avoid possible widespread outages.  The Maryland Freedom Caucus said the substation failure was tied to the Brandon Shores Power Plant in Curtis Bay.

BGE reported that the portions of the transmission system that were inoperable Monday morning have been restored, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

BGE said a transmission equipment issue impacted the BGE electric system, but the exact cause has not been identified. 

PJM Interconnection, the region's power grid operator, determined there was not a resource adequacy issue, but rather a transmission constraint issue.

According to BGE, the company initiated emergency PeakRewards and ConnectedRewards cycling events, which helped lower load and relieve strain on the grid, and these have been lifted. 

PJM then issued a voltage reduction action, which helped lower load and relieve strain on the grid, BGE said. 

The governor said BGE continues to assess the system as needed.

"We will continue to coordinate with our partners across the public and private sectors, in addition to local leadership, to ensure appropriate preparedness and support," Gov. Moore added.   

Power outage for roughly 4,000 customers

PJM told BGE to stop electric service for roughly 4,000 customers in Howard County for 30 minutes around 4 p.m. to prevent longer and more substantial impacts to the system. 

"We recognize this outage — any outage — is disruptive to customers, and we appreciate customers' patience, especially in the heat, during this temporary disruption," BGE said in a statement. "At this time we do not anticipate additional outages related to this event to occur today/through this evening. If an outage must occur, we will make every effort to alert customers in advance."

BGE sends letter to customers

BGE said in a letter to customers that it was working with the power plant's owner to make safe and quick repairs.

"To reduce the potential for an outage, we are asking all BGE customers to conserve electricity beginning immediately and through this evening," BGE said in the letter.

The letter continued, "Unfortunately, a temporary outage may still be unavoidable. If an outage is necessary, we will make every effort to alert you in advance. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

BGE customers react

Some customers told WJZ they are fed up with BGE in the aftermath of rate hikes earlier this year.

They say this is a lose-lose situation for customers. 

"I have no sympathy for BGE," Baltimore resident Rosemary Distefano said. "I think BGE has not done a good job for the citizens of the city, and I'm a city rat for my whole life, born and bred in Baltimore."

BGE hiked up their rates starting Jan. 1, 2025. The utility company increased the average gas bill by 9% and the electric bill by 7%. 

"Everything's gotten more expensive, and so you can keep raising the bills, but money's got to come from somewhere to pay for them, and then we're simultaneously supposed to be using less and less to conserve," added Baltimore resident Sara Reichenbach. "It's kind of an impossible situation."

Prepare for a power outage

BGE shared ways to prepare for power outages, including:

• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare non-perishable foods.
• Make sure cellphones, computers, electric vehicles, and necessary electronic equipment are charged.
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries nearby.
• A backup plan should be made for medication that requires refrigeration or medical equipment that needs electricity.

Ways to conserve energy

According to BGE, here are ways to conserve energy:

• Keep an eye on your thermostat.
• Use ceiling fans or standalone fans.
• Close your blinds, shades, and curtains.
• Hold off on using washing machines, dryers, ovens, stoves, and dishwashers.
• Turn off all of your non-essential appliances and devices.