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3 clusters · 3 sources · 30 days · First seen · Last updated

Baltimore Gas & Electric service and rate disputes

Overview

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) has resumed residential service disconnections for unpaid bills following a temporary moratorium imposed by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The pause was originally lifted after the utility improved call center wait times and increased staffing to handle billing inquiries.

Following the resumption of shutoffs, BGE has filed a request with the Maryland Public Service Commission for a $156 million electric rate increase. The company stated the hike is necessary for system maintenance and reliability. If approved, the increase could add an estimated $8 per month to the average bill for 1.3 million customers, though the commission is not scheduled to review the proposal until January 2027.

These developments occur amid ongoing concerns regarding consumer debt in the region. Data indicated that hundreds of thousands of households were behind on payments, with average past-due balances remaining high.

Recent data from a Zenith Research survey of 800 registered voters highlights growing financial strain, noting that 42 percent of Marylanders struggled to pay electric bills over the past year. Additionally, a dispute between Baltimore City and BGE regarding the use of the city’s underground conduit system may lead to further rate increases. This follows previous regulatory approvals that have already raised annual household costs by approximately $300.

Entities

Maryland Public Service Commission · Maryland · Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition · Tamla Olivier · Baltimore Gas and Electric

Timeline

  1. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Maryland residents face rising utility costs and financial strain

    Maryland residents face rising utility costs and financial strain, with 42% struggling to pay electric bills amid ongoing disputes between Baltimore and BGE over energy rates.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    BGE seeks $156 million rate hike and resumes power shutoffs in Maryland

    BGE is seeking a $156 million electric rate increase in Maryland while simultaneously resuming residential power shutoffs for unpaid bills amid rising household energy debt.

  3. about 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Baltimore Gas & Electric to Resume Service Shutoffs after Moratorium

    Baltimore Gas & Electric will resume service shutoffs this week after a moratorium, citing improved call wait times and added staff, while low‑income customers receive protections and a Jan‑1 cost‑limit program

Sources

baltimorefishbowl.com · gcn.com · thecooldown.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history