BGE Outage Map Guide: How to Report an Outage and Track Restoration
BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) serves Central Maryland, including Baltimore City and surrounding counties. During a storm, the BGE outage map can help you see whether an outage has already been reported and how widely the problem is spread. This guide covers how to read the map, report a BGE power outage, and stay prepared while crews work on restoration. It also covers backup power options and safety steps that matter during a longer outage.
How to Check the BGE Outage Map
BGE's Storm Center outage map shows current and historical outages across its service area. It's updated about every 10 to 15 minutes, giving you a quick look at outage activity. You can also use it to check for restoration updates as crews work on repairs.
What you can see on the map
The map breaks outage information down by county and can show areas such as Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, Harford County, and Howard County. That makes it easier to tell whether the problem is close to your home or part of a larger outage. You can also use the map to follow an outage as BGE updates its status. If you're comparing how utilities in the region handle storm events, this Dominion outage guide offers another example.
Why your address may not appear
The map only shows outages BGE already knows about. If your power is out but your location isn't listed, report the outage directly. That extra report gives BGE another way to confirm the problem. It also helps the utility build a clearer picture of the affected area.
How to Report a BGE Outage
BGE gives customers several ways to report an outage. You can call, send a text, report it online, or use the mobile app. If the outage is widespread, choose the option that's easiest to use at the time. A phone call may take longer during a major storm, while text or online reporting can be more convenient.
Report by phone
Call 1-877-778-2222 to report a BGE outage or downed wire. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Have your service address ready before you call. It also helps to know roughly when the power went out and whether nearby homes are without power too.
Report by text
BGE customers can text OUT to MYBGE at 69243 to report an outage. This can be useful if phone lines are busy after a major storm. Keep your phone charged if severe weather is moving through the area. A portable battery or power station can help if the outage lasts for several hours.
Report online or through the app
You can also report an outage through BGE.com/outage or the company's mobile app. Online reporting can be a good option when you don't want to wait on hold. Before you submit the report, check that the service address is correct. If several homes nearby are also without power, include that information when the reporting system allows it.
If you smell natural gas
A gas leak is an emergency. Leave the area right away and call 1-877-778-7798 from a safe location. Don't use a phone, light switch, appliance, or anything else that could create a spark while you're still near the suspected leak. Once the outage has been reported, the next concern is keeping essential parts of your home running while you wait for restoration. If you've reported the gas leak and moved to a safe location, the next concern is keeping essential parts of your home running while you wait for power to return.
Backup Power While Waiting on BGE
Severe thunderstorms have caused outages affecting well over 100,000 BGE customers during past events. In the hardest-hit areas, restoration has sometimes continued into the following evening. A portable power station can cover a few essentials during that wait, including a refrigerator, phones, lights, and Wi-Fi. For larger homes or longer outages, a whole-home battery can support more circuits and appliances.
For smaller backup needs, a portable power station can keep essential devices running without powering the entire home. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max is designed for appliances and devices such as refrigerators, lights, phones, and other everyday essentials.
The cause of an outage can affect how long you may be without power. Knowing what commonly causes BGE outages can give you a better idea of what to expect during a storm.
BGE's Service Area and Common Outage Causes
BGE serves Central Maryland, including Baltimore City and communities across the surrounding counties. Its service area includes dense city neighborhoods, older suburbs, newer developments, and more wooded communities. That mix matters during severe weather. A storm can damage overhead lines, trees, transformers, and other parts of the local electric system.
Summer storms
Severe thunderstorms, lightning, and damaging winds can knock out power across Central Maryland during the warmer months. Strong winds can bring down branches or trees, while lightning can damage electrical equipment. If you have a young child at home, longer outages can create extra planning needs. This infant outage guide covers practical ways to prepare for a power loss with a baby in the house.
Winter storms and ice
Winter weather can create a different set of problems. Ice can build up on trees and power lines, adding weight that can lead to broken branches and damaged equipment. Snow and freezing temperatures can also make restoration work harder. If an outage happens during a cold snap, backup power can help keep key rooms, medical equipment, communications, or other essentials running.
Staying Safe During a BGE Outage
A power outage can create hazards around the house and outside it. Downed wires, damaged electrical equipment, generators, and food that has been sitting without refrigeration all need attention. Keep these steps in mind while the power is out:
Stay away from downed wires: Treat every fallen power line as live. Keep children and pets away, and report the hazard to BGE. Call 911 if there is an immediate emergency.
Keep the refrigerator closed: Open the refrigerator and freezer as little as possible, so food stays cold longer.
Never run a generator indoors: Keep portable generators outside and away from doors, windows, and vents. Carbon monoxide can build up without warning.
Use flashlights when possible: Battery-powered lights are a safer choice than candles during an outage.
Check damaged electrical equipment: If a storm damages wiring, outlets, or other electrical equipment, have it inspected by a qualified electrician before using it.
Plan for well water: If your home uses a well pump, make sure your backup setup can handle its starting and running power. This well pump guide explains how to estimate those needs.
Conclusion
The BGE outage map gives you a quick way to check reported outages across Central Maryland, but it doesn't replace a direct outage report. If your power is out, use the map for updates and report the outage by phone, text, online, or through the BGE app. Save 1-877-778-2222 in your phone before the next storm. If you live in an area that sees frequent summer thunderstorms or winter ice, decide ahead of time which appliances and devices you need to keep running.
FAQs
How do I report a BGE outage?
You can report a BGE outage by calling 1-877-778-2222, texting OUT to MYBGE at 69243, or using BGE's online outage reporting or mobile app. If you see a downed wire, report it as well and stay away from the area.
What's the phone number for BGE outages?
The BGE outage phone number is 1-877-778-2222. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for outage and downed-wire reports. Have your service address ready when you call.
What counties does BGE serve?
BGE serves Central Maryland, including Baltimore City and surrounding counties. Its service area includes Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles counties.
How long do BGE outages typically last?
Restoration time depends on the cause, damage, and number of customers affected. Large storms can cause widespread outages, and crews may need more time to restore areas with extensive damage. You can check the BGE outage map for current outage information and updates.
How do I report a gas leak to BGE?
If you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and move to a safe location. Don't use a phone, light switch, or appliance near the suspected leak. Once you're safely away, call BGE at 1-877-778-7798.
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