BGE can shut off power again in Maryland, where 243,000 households are $735 behind

Baltimore Gas and Electric is again allowed to shut off residential service in Maryland over unpaid bills following a brief pause.

That restart comes with hundreds of thousands of households already past due on utility payments, intensifying concerns that higher energy prices and the push for bigger utility profits are leaving families with limited room to cope.

What's happening?

Problems with BGE's customer service operations had prompted a monthlong, state-ordered stop to collections out of concern that some customers could not get assistance, but that pause has ended, and the company has restarted the process, according to AFRO.

Residential shutoffs were permitted to resume on or after July 15, 2026, under the commission's order.

BGE said it is "gradually resuming normal collections activities, including reminder notifications and turn-off notices."

Disconnections did not resume immediately, though. BGE had targeted July 15, but delayed action until temperatures dropped below 95 degrees.

Then, on July 17, the Maryland Public Service Commission issued another seven-day hold because of unhealthy air, preventing shutoffs to homes until July 27.

Why does it matter?

Household debt to the utility is already substantial. An analysis from the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition found that, by March 2026, more than 243,000 households in BGE's service area that had not received energy-assistance grants were behind on their bills by an average of $735.

This was more than 19% higher than the level recorded in March 2025. Only 30% of households eligible for state energy assistance grants applied in 2025.

Meanwhile, BGE is seeking a $156 million rate increase and a proposed 10.4% return on equity from regulators.

Consumer advocates say that model centers utility profits even as customers face inflation and steep energy costs. The coalition said BGE's profits increased from $147 million in 2010 to $578 million in 2025.

An initial Public Service Commission hearing on BGE's requested rate and profit increase is scheduled for 11 a.m. on August 11.

What can I do?

BGE said it has been contacting customers with past-due balances about payment plans, budget billing, and energy-assistance programs.

The company also said, as part of its restart plan, that it is making 18- to 24-month payment arrangements available, waiving deposits for some overdue customers trying to maintain or restore service, and continuing to promote programs such as the Office of Home Energy Programs and the Fuel Fund.

BGE also said, "Customers receive several notices over several weeks to ensure they are aware they are past due and have an opportunity to avoid disconnection."

For residents whose household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level, grants may be available through the Office of Home Energy Programs.

Customers can also explore Maryland's Community Solar program and EmPOWER Maryland offerings, which can include home energy checkups, HVAC tune-ups, and efficiency-upgrade rebates that may lower future bills.

Laurel Peltier, chair of the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition, said, "We are urging anyone with an unpaid BGE account balance to act now as many will qualify for programs to help them pay their energy bills."

Jennifer Bevan-Dangel, deputy director of Economic Action Maryland Fund, added, "BGE rates are rising at a rate far outpacing inflation. It's time for utility regulators to intervene to stop BGE's excessive profits."

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