At BGE, we believe that building a stronger Baltimore starts with working together. That’s why we’re proud to join forces with the Exelon Foundation and Civic Works to make clean and affordable energy a reality for more families in our community.
In December, BGE and the Exelon Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Civic Works’ Baltimore Shines program, which provides no-cost rooftop solar installations for low-and moderate-income households. Thanks to this support, 30 additional homes in Baltimore will soon be equipped with solar panels, helping families lower their energy bills while contributing to a cleaner environment.
We are deeply appreciative of this new grant from BGE and the Exelon Foundation, which will expand access to clean energy and allow us to provide no-cost solar installations to additional households. Together, we are reducing monthly expenses for families and strengthening resilience across Baltimore neighborhoods.
Baltimore Shines is more than just a solar program; it’s a community-driven effort to advance energy equity and environmental justice. Each participating home receives essential roof and electrical upgrades to ensure solar readiness, along with a 20-year maintenance plan for long-term reliability. These improvements don’t just reduce costs—they empower families to take control of their energy future.
Collectively, the program will generate over 182,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, cutting 277,635 pounds of CO₂ emissions and moving Maryland closer to its clean energy goals. For customers, that means real savings and a healthier environment proof that affordability and sustainability can go hand in hand. In fact, one recent participant shared that after installing solar through Baltimore Shines, their monthly energy bill dropped to zero, demonstrating the life-changing impact this program can have for families.
This announcement comes as Civic Works completes its 50th solar installation in Baltimore’s Gwynn Oak neighborhood. The installation was part of Civic Works’ on-the-job training program, which creates career pathways in the clean energy sector for the local residents. This is a great opportunity as families save money, homes gain value, and Baltimore builds a workforce for the future.
“Baltimore Shines is making a real difference by helping families lower their energy costs while expanding access to clean, renewable power,” said Tamla Olivier, president and CEO of BGE. “Thank you to Civic Works for helping us build a more equitable, sustainable Baltimore.”
