Posted on 06/01/23
| News Source: WBAL TV
According to BGE and city officials, a widespread power outage occurred Thursday in Annapolis.
More than half of the reported Annapolis-area power outages were restored as of 8 p.m. Thursday. Remaining outages are expected to be restored later Thursday night into Friday morning.
BGE's outage map showed over 40,000 customers affected across the entire service area as of 4 p.m. Thursday. But at it's peak, BGE said around 72,000 customers were affected.
The outage began at around 3:15 p.m., according to city officials. In a statement, they said, "Our best information is that a power disruption at the Cedar Park substation has impacted the Annapolis peninsula and surrounding communities."
BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos also released a statement saying, "At 3:15 p.m. an equipment failure impacted a large part of Anne Arundel County, causing more than 72,000 BGE customers to lose electric service. BGE crews are currently working as quickly and safely as possible to determine the cause of the equipment failure and an estimated time of restoration for customers who remain without power. We are fully mobilized and working multiple paths - from crews on the ground to automated distribution equipment - to resolve the issue. We expect to restore service for all impacted customers later this evening. We appreciate customers' patience as we address this issue."
The U.S. Naval Academy told 11 News that it was among those affected.
City officials reminded drivers to treat traffic lights as four-way stops if they are not operating.
SkyTeam 11 and Capt. Roy Taylor flew over the scene and noticed major intersections backing up with traffic due to the outages. BGE crews were visible working at an Annapolis substation.
BGE asked all customers to report their outage online, by texting OUT to MYBGE (69243), or via BGE’s free mobile app.
Officials reminded residents to not leave burning candles unattended and do not use generators in confined spaces.
They also shared food safety tips for perishable items from the FDA.