Losing electrical power can be a life-threating, emergency situation for patients who rely on power-dependent equipment.  For example, some patients require respirators or kidney dialysis machines.  We wanted to share resources for power-dependent patients, such as some of our local electricity providers offer an Emergency Medical Equipment Program.  While not all of the programs are exactly the same, most offer features such as notification of scheduled outages, notification of severe storms, such as hurricane warnings, and an information package sent annually to help prepare for emergencies.  Check the list below to see if your local electricity provider offers such a program and to get more information about program specifics.

To qualify for these programs, participants must have certification from a licensed physician that a medical need exists.  Please note, the electrical provider cannot offer participants priority restoration, nor does the Emergency Medical Equipment Program exempt customers from disconnection of electric service for non-payment.

• Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) - Apply for the Special Needs Programs here.
• Choptank Electric - Please call 1-877-892-0001 to ask about their Emergency Medical Equipment Program and request a Medical Form.
• Delmarva Power - Enroll in the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program here.
• FirstEnergy – Potomac Edison (formerly Allegheny Power) - Please call the phone number on your bill to get the form to enroll in their Emergency Medical Equipment Program.
• Pepco - Enroll in the Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program here. Read the Brochure here.
• Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) - Please call 1-888-440-3311 to ask about their Emergency Medical Equipment Program and request a Special Needs Form.