BGE seeks $156 million rate hike and resumes power shutoffs in Maryland

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has filed a request with the Maryland Public Service Commission for a $156 million electric rate increase. The proposal, which seeks a 10.4 percent return on equity, would add an estimated $8 per month to the average bill for 1.3 million customers across eight counties and Baltimore City.

BGE CEO Tamla Olivier stated that the increase is necessary for "bare-bones maintenance" to ensure a "safe and reliable" system. The filing follows a new state law requiring a "historic test year" model rather than the previous forecast model. While BGE sought to begin collecting higher rates in August, the Public Service Commission will not review the proposal until January 2027.

Simultaneously, BGE has resumed residential service disconnections for unpaid bills following a state-ordered pause. This restart comes amid concerns regarding consumer debt; an analysis by the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition found that by March 2026, over 243,000 households in BGE's service area were behind on bills by an average of $735. Consumer advocates have criticized the company's profit growth, noting that BGE profits rose from $147 million in 2010 to $578 million in 2025.