Reliability

Building Beneath Baltimore: A Stronger Grid Starts on Stockholm Street 

On Stockholm Street in Baltimore City, something big is happening—though most people walking by might not even notice. Beneath the pavement, BGE crews are laying the groundwork for a more reliable future, one duct bank and manhole at a time. 

This isn’t just another infrastructure upgrade. It’s the first project of its kind where BGE is partnering directly with Baltimore City to support the rapid development around the stadiums and casino district. As the skyline grows above, we’re making sure the energy system below keeps pace. 

Think of a duct bank as a multi-lane highway for power cables—organized, protected, and built to last. And the manholes are the access points, like service doors to the underground grid. But some of the existing manholes in this area have aged out of service. Time, weather, and wear have made them unsafe for crews to enter, and that’s where innovation steps in. 

Instead of building manholes on-site, we’re using precast manholes—custom-made offsite, delivered on flatbed trucks, and lowered into place with precision. It’s like ordering a piece of furniture that’s ready to be installed, instead of building something piece by piece on the spot. The result? A safer, faster, less disruptive and more cost-effective installation.  

These upgrades aren’t just about concrete and cables. They’re about people—our crews who need safe spaces to work, and our customers who rely on uninterrupted service. By replacing degraded infrastructure and installing new, high-quality components, we’re reinforcing the backbone of Baltimore’s energy system. 

By improving manholes, we are now giving crews a place where they can safely perform their jobs, and it helps customers with reliability.

–Ian Jones

It’s easy to overlook what’s happening underground. But every duct bank laid, and every manhole installed is a step toward a more resilient city. And while the work may be out of sight, its impact will be felt for decades to come.