Baltimore electric bills have gotten so high that one Baltimore resident had to shut off her heating to keep using her oxygen tank. Her experience underscores the difficult choices facing households as Baltimore Gas and Electric seeks another rate increase.
Here's what to know
BGE is asking the Maryland Public Service Commission to approve a $156 million annual rate increase, which would raise customers' monthly electric bills by $8 on average, CBS Baltimore reported.
The request is separate from a planned $9 monthly surcharge tied to Baltimore's conduit system. If both take effect as described, an average customer would pay about $17 more each month.
Customers pushed back against the proposal at the first of three online public hearings before the commission. Maintaining its electrical system and keeping service safe and dependable are BGE's stated reasons for seeking the additional revenue.
More background
Grocery prices were already stretching one customer's budget. That concern was part of a broader struggle residents described to CBS Baltimore: finding enough money for both utility bills and other household necessities.
"None of this is sustainable. I can't sustain what's happening over there in the grocery store. How can I sustain BGE?" the customer said.
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Keeping pets comfortable was a consideration for another resident who described maintaining a low temperature at home.
"Where do you expect us to get it from when you're charging us so much money and we basically keep it a temperature where our pets aren't going to be freezing," the resident said.
What's being done?
The commission's public hearings let customers voice objections before regulators decide whether to approve BGE's request. Another online public hearing is set for Nov. 4.
Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen urged regulators to consider residents' financial burdens.
"We know every dollar matters to families already struggling with higher costs in many areas of their lives," BGE said.
BGE argued that postponing essential upkeep and infrastructure projects could lead to higher future expenses and more service interruptions.
"Right now, too many Baltimoreans are struggling to keep the lights on, and they are fed up with BGE reaching deeper into their pockets each year," Cohen said.
Where can I learn more?
BGE's proposed rate hike is one of several utility-cost disputes playing out in Maryland. These stories cover Baltimore's pushback, rising infrastructure costs, contested refunds, and efforts to limit bills.
• Baltimore takes its fight against BGE door to door over the proposed $156 million increase.
• Maryland utilities are fighting $20 million in savings as further rate hikes loom.
• A Maryland watchdog says ratepayers face Baltimore grid project costs ballooning from $105 million to $407 million.
• Maryland customers are owed $32 million as BGE and Delmarva stall refunds amid litigation.
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