Energy costs are rising across central Maryland—and customers deserve the truth about why.
At Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), we hear every day from families and small businesses who are frustrated and concerned. They should be. But too often, the conversation stops short of explaining what’s actually happening—and that does a disservice to the people we serve.
What’s Really Behind Higher Bills
The largest driver of higher energy bills right now is the cost of electricity supply—not delivery.
That matters, because:
- BGE does not generate electricity
- We do not set supply prices
- We do not profit from supply costs
Electricity is purchased from power generators through a competitive market and passed directly to customers—without markup.
So what’s driving those costs up?
- Demand for electricity is growing rapidly
- Power plants are retiring faster than new ones are being built
- The grid is constrained, limiting access to lower-cost energy
The result is simple: less supply, more demand, higher prices.
That’s not a talking point—it’s the reality of the energy market today.
What We Control—and What We’re Doing About It
We don’t control supply prices. But we are accountable for everything we do control—and we’re acting.
Through The Exelon Promise, BGE and Exelon are delivering real support to customers right now:
- $17.5 million in direct bill assistance through our Customer Relief Funds
- Connecting 53,000 customers to $91.3 million in energy assistance last year
- More than 350,000 customers enrolled in budget billing
- Over 30,000 active payment plans helping customers stay connected
We are also implementing a new limited-income discount program, approved by regulators, that will reduce bills for customers who need it most.
These are not abstract commitments. They are real actions delivering real relief.
What Needs to Change—and Why We’re in Annapolis
Short-term relief is critical—but it won’t solve the underlying problem.
If we want lower energy costs over time, we need more energy supply. Period.
That’s why BGE is actively engaged this legislative session in Annapolis—working with policymakers to advance solutions that:
- Increase energy supply
- Strengthen grid reliability
- Put downward pressure on long-term costs
That includes exploring policies that allow utilities to help build new, affordable energy resources—with strong public oversight.
Independent analysis shows these types of solutions could save customers billions of dollars across the region.
Doing nothing is not a neutral option—it guarantees higher costs and increased reliability risks.
Growth Shouldn’t Come at Customers’ Expense
Maryland is seeing unprecedented growth in energy demand, including from data centers and other large users.
We support that growth. But we are equally clear on this:
Residential customers should not subsidize it.
That’s why we are:
- Strengthening requirements so large energy users pay their fair share
- Putting protections in place to prevent costs from being shifted onto households
- Planning infrastructure investments responsibly to maintain reliability
We can support economic development and protect customers—but only if policy keeps pace with reality.
Customers Deserve the Full Picture
There are a lot of narratives circulating right now about energy costs. Not all of them tell the full story.
Customers deserve better than that.
They deserve:
- Clear explanations of what’s driving their bills
- Honest conversations about what will actually bring costs down
- Real solutions—not rhetoric
Our Commitment
At BGE, we are focused on what matters:
- Delivering safe, reliable service
- Supporting customers with meaningful, immediate relief
- Driving long-term solutions that address the root causes of rising costs
We will continue to show up, speak clearly, and advocate for the policies that put customers first—because that’s our responsibility, and we take it seriously.
