Baltimore Gas and Electric Operations and Services

BGE provides electricity and natural gas to over 1.2 million customers in central Maryland.

The company operates a network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems to deliver energy to its customers.

BGE's operations are supported by a team of over 2,000 employees who work to ensure reliable service and maintain the company's infrastructure.

The company's services include electric and gas delivery, energy efficiency programs, and customer support.

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BGE's history dates back to 1816 when Rembrandt Peale founded the Gas Light Company of Baltimore. This was the first gas company in the Americas.

The first streetlamp installed by the Gas Light Company of Baltimore was lit on February 7, 1817, at the corner of North Holliday and East Baltimore streets. By February 1818, only 28 gas-lit lamps existed.

The company experimented with piping, meters, and other mechanical technology over the next decades. This innovation helped increase private subscription, with the company having 15,301 customers in Baltimore by 1870.

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Baltimore committed to gas for municipal use, including the installation of gas service in all public markets by 1851. This decision helped pave the way for the company's growth and expansion.

In 2015, the Maryland Public Service Commission approved the acquisition of Pepco Holdings by Exelon, putting BGE under common control with Maryland's second and third largest electric utilities.

BGE has been involved in some controversies over the years. In 2019, a gas explosion in Columbia, Maryland destroyed a 57,000 square-foot commercial building, and the Public Service Commission concluded that BGE failed to provide for safe operation and maintenance of the facilities.

This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in the operation and maintenance of facilities. BGE has faced criticism for its handling of the situation.

In a separate matter, BGE filed a lawsuit against the city of Baltimore in 2015 to challenge the city's attempt to increase the fee it charges the utility for using its underground conduit system. The lawsuit was eventually settled in 2016, with BGE agreeing to pay $24 million per year to use the city's 741 miles of conduit.

This settlement demonstrates the complex relationships between utilities and municipalities.

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BGE's electric service territory spans Baltimore City and several surrounding counties, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.

BGE frequently sends crews to help restore power to customers in the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions after severe weather events. They've dealt with major outages following events like the June 2012 derecho and Hurricane Sandy in October of the same year.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, BGE restored power to over 300,000 customers.

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BGE Operations' power generation capabilities are impressive, with a focus on reliability and efficiency. BGE's power plants produce over 2,600 megawatts of electricity.

The majority of BGE's power plants are fueled by natural gas, accounting for approximately 70% of their total output. This is due to the abundant availability and relatively low cost of natural gas in the region.

BGE's power plants also include a significant portion of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which account for around 15% of their total output. This is a notable shift towards cleaner energy sources.

BGE's power plants are strategically located to meet the energy demands of the surrounding area, with many plants situated near major population centers. This helps to reduce transmission losses and ensures a reliable supply of electricity to customers.

BGE's electric service territory covers Baltimore City and six Central Maryland counties, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.

The utility is a member of two shared-crew networks in the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions, which allows them to send crews to help restore power after severe weather events.

In 2012, BGE dealt with major outages following the June derecho and Hurricane Sandy, restoring power to over 300,000 customers in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

BGE has proposed the construction and operation of microgrids, capable of generating and distributing electricity during larger outages, but the Maryland Public Service Commission rejected their request in July 2016.

The utility began replacing analog electric meters with smart meters in 2012 to create a less expensive grid system.

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BGE Operations have a significant impact on the environment.

BGE's reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 68% of the company's emissions in 2020.

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The company's efforts to reduce emissions include investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

In 2020, BGE's renewable energy portfolio consisted of 10% of the company's total energy production.

BGE's energy efficiency programs have helped reduce energy consumption among customers, resulting in a 10% decrease in energy usage since 2010.

BGE's goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

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BGE is committed to giving back to the community through various initiatives.

The company's Green Grants program has awarded over $1 million to environmental non-profits in central Maryland since 2013, with grants of up to $10,000 available to support projects like the 4-H Chesapeake Bay Stewards Program and Project Clean Stream and Clean Water Communities.

One notable project is the osprey nest relocation program, which allows customers to report osprey nests on or near electrical lines, and then insulates or moves the nest to special platforms.

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BGE has also partnered with local organizations to create community spaces, such as Eddie Murray Field in west Baltimore, constructed in partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation in 2016.

The company has also taken steps to beautify its own campus, adding large, decorative murals to the three large storage tanks on its Spring Gardens campus in south Baltimore as part of its bicentennial celebration in 2016.

Here are some examples of past Green Grants recipients:

BGE rates have increased by 9% for gas customers and 7% for electric customers, effective January 1. The distribution cost, regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission, is the main part of the bill that goes directly to BGE.

The supply section of the bill, which is the cost of the actual natural gas used, has also seen a significant spike, with prices 30% higher than they were in January of the previous year. This, combined with increased usage, has led to higher bills for many customers.

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BGE's gas delivery rates have more than tripled since 2010, according to the Office of the People's Counsel (OPC). The company's profits have also more than tripled from $147 million in 2010 to $485 million in 2023.

Here are some of the current BGE electricity rates:

BGE's current price-to-compare is 11.11¢, which is the benchmark rate or price that BGE provides consumers to use to compare different electricity plans.

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BGE rates have increased, with the average gas bill rising by 9% and the electric bill by 7% on January 1.

The main part of the bill that goes directly to BGE is the distribution cost, which is regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

In January, the actual price of natural gas was 30% higher than it was a year ago, leading to higher bills for gas customers.

BGE customers are feeling the squeeze in their budget due to higher rates, with some seeing their bills more than double.

The "Empower Maryland" program, which funds efficiency programs, is also contributing to the rate increase.

Many BGE customers are struggling to pay their bills, with some reporting bills as high as $975.

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BGE's price-to-compare is 11.11¢, a benchmark rate that's valid until September 30, 2024. This rate is used to compare different electricity plans.

If you're looking for the best BGE electricity rates, consider the plans with the lowest rates. For example, the Safe Harbor 10 plan has a rate of 9.85¢ for a 10-month term.

Here's a list of some of the best BGE electricity rates, sorted by rate:

Keep in mind that rates can change daily, so it's always a good idea to check the current rates before making a decision.

BGE is a unique entity in the Baltimore area. It's a regulated utility company, meaning it's responsible for generating and distributing energy to customers.

BGE is not an energy provider, but rather a company that sells energy directly to customers. This is different from energy providers, which buy energy and resell it to customers.

In a deregulated area like Baltimore, customers have the freedom to choose their energy provider, which can help them find the best Baltimore electric rates and gas prices.

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BGE is a trusted energy company serving the Baltimore region. They have been providing electricity and natural gas services since 1816.

BGE has a long history of innovation, having introduced the first electric streetlights in Baltimore in 1887. This was a significant milestone in the city's development.

The company has a strong commitment to customer service, with a 24/7 customer service team available to assist with any issues or concerns.

If you need to report an outage or have questions about your energy purchase from Baltimore Gas & Electric, you can contact the company in several ways.

To log in and access your account, you'll need to visit the Baltimore Gas & Electric website.

You can report power outages by calling 1-877-778-2222, or for natural gas issues, call 1-877-778-7798.

For general customer service, you can reach out to Baltimore Gas & Electric by calling 1-800-685-0123.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you get in touch with Baltimore Gas & Electric:

BGE's electricity rates have increased due to distribution costs, supply costs, and costs associated with "Empower Maryland" programs. The utility company increased the average electric bill by 7% in January.

BGE's gas delivery rates have more than tripled since 2010, according to the Office of the People's Counsel. This significant increase has led to higher bills for customers.

You can compare BGE electric rates and plans with other providers in their service area. These suppliers include Constellation Energy, Direct Energy, and Spark Energy.

To find the best plan for you, consider the term length and rate. For example, the Safe Harbor 10 plan offers a rate of 9.85¢ for 10 months.

Here are some of the best BGE electricity rates:

To switch energy providers, you can use Choose Energy's free, independent marketplace to compare rates and providers. This way, you can find the best plan for your needs and budget.