Escalating energy costs from Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) have prompted the Baltimore City Council to initiate a dialogue with residents and business owners struggling to keep pace with the hikes. Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen, alongside Councilman Issac 'Yitzy' Schleifer, is set to address these concerns through a series of hearings. The announcement was made yesterday as the council met with affected locals, including Nicole Rogers, a resident with a disability, who expressed her challenges in coping with the increasing expenses, according to WBALTV.
Councilman Schleifer highlighted that the rates have nearly tripled compared to the inflation rate between 2010 and 2025, representing a dire financial situation for many. To directly engage with the issue, the Legislative Investigations Committee, which Schleifer chairs, will work to find potential relief measures for citizens. "The bottom line, the current state of BGE and the skyrocketing rates are not sustainable," Schleifer stated, per WBALTV.
Business owners like the chef and owner of Marta Fine Food and Spirits, who saw his BGE bill surge from an average of $2,500 to over $4,000, are also voicing their distress. The strain of these additional costs is severely impacting the small business community in Baltimore. As reported by FOX Baltimore, Cohen declared that the city council stands "with the ratepayers of this region -- not the shareholders of the gas & electric company."
BGE, on the other hand, asserts that the rate increases are necessary to maintain and improve the aging infrastructure, which is vital for safety and environmental considerations. The company also mentioned taking additional steps to assist customers, including waiving late fees and suspending disconnections during February 2025.
The Ratepayer Protection Act (HB0419) aims to improve financial and material efficiency within utility providers and is another key effort to tackle these challenges. The first council hearing on the subject is scheduled for February 20th, as city leaders and residents seek to hold BGE accountable and ensure that the Public Service Commission protects the people.
