BGE Begins Gas Service Restoration To Southwest Baltimore Community

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— BGE has begun restoring natural gas service to the hundreds of Southwest Baltimore residents affected by Tuesday's gas main break, which was caused by a non-BGE crew making repairs to a Baltimore City water main.

Crews have already pumped more than 4,000 gallons of water from the gas main—allowing the utility to begin the process of restoring service to some customers where it is safe to do so. Pumping will continue until the main is completely free of water and sediment.

The break occurred in the 300-block of Millington Avenue between Wilkens and Frederick Avenues Tuesday morning.  In order to safely repair the gas main and clear it of all water and sediment, natural gas service to approximately 900 buildings was turned off—a process that requires BGE and support personnel to enter each and every building affected.

"BGE recognizes the challenges associated with an extended interruption in natural gas service at any time, but particularly during the winter months—even a mild winter— when customers are using natural gas to heat their homes," said Jeannette M. Mills, senior vice president and chief customer officer for BGE.  "Our customers have been very cooperative and understanding throughout this entire event and we ask for their continued patience as we work diligently to safely restore service as quickly as possible."

Crews from PECO, a nearby utility based in Philadelphia, is assisting BGE in the door-to-door effort . For safety purposes, customers should always ask to see the photo identification of people requesting entry into their home or business.