After Tuesday's storms, a tree fell on power lines in Baltimore's Oakenshawe area, leaving about 3,900 BGE customers without electricity as of 4 p.m. Wednesday; crews are working to restore power, with BGE forecasting that most customers should have power back by Thursday.
Baltimore Gas and Electric filed a rate-hike request with the Maryland Public Service Commission that could raise electric bills by about $100 a year (roughly $8 a month) for more than one million Maryland customers if approved. BGE says the reduced investment plan focuses on immediate grid maintenance and adds a FlexPay option and a new customer assistance program, while consumer advocates warn that rates and profits have risen sharply since 2010 and call for scrutiny as the PSC reviews the filing with a decision expected in early 2027.
Baltimore residents and activists protested against BGE's rising utility rates and called for a publicly controlled utility to promote competition and lower costs, highlighting a significant increase in gas and electric delivery rates since 2010. They advocate for legislative action to establish public power as an alternative to the monopoly held by BGE.
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) ended its call for electricity conservation after repairing a substation that caused a power outage affecting around 4,000 customers. The outage was linked to a transmission equipment issue, and emergency measures like voltage reduction were implemented to stabilize the grid. BGE is working with the power plant owner to make repairs and has advised customers on how to prepare for potential future outages and conserve energy. The situation has caused frustration among customers, especially following recent rate hikes.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a $19 million relief fund for BGE customers facing rising energy costs, with $15 million allocated specifically for residential customers, offering one-time grants from $250 to $750, to be administered by United Way of Central Maryland, with applications opening on July 1.
BWI Marshall Airport experienced a temporary power outage on Saturday, causing disruptions for passengers and briefly evacuating the air traffic control tower. The outage, which began around 5:30 p.m., lasted about two hours. Passengers reported uncomfortable conditions and delays on social media. The cause of the outage remains unclear, and BGE, the local utility, reported no issues with its equipment.
A gas leak in the basement of a home in south Baltimore caused an explosion and downed an electrical power line. The Baltimore Fire Department and BGE responded to the incident, with no reported injuries. The cause of the explosion is believed to be the natural gas leak, and a full investigation is underway.
The Maryland Public Service Commission has ruled that Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE) cannot require the installation of gas regulators on the outside of homes, giving residents the choice of whether to have them inside or outside. The commission stated that while they generally prefer external regulators, both indoor and outdoor options are allowed as long as proper engineering standards are followed. BGE will need to issue a written notice to customers 14 days in advance, allowing them to choose between external and internal regulators. The commission also determined that BGE cannot terminate gas service for residents who decline the installation of exterior gas regulators. The decision comes after months of community opposition, lawsuits, and city agency involvement.
The Maryland Public Service Commission is questioning Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) regarding the use of controversial gas regulators. The regulators have been the subject of controversy due to safety concerns and potential risks. The commission is seeking answers from BGE regarding their decision to use these regulators and the steps taken to ensure public safety.
A judge has extended a temporary restraining order against Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) regarding the installation of external gas regulators in the Federal Hill neighborhood. Homeowners in Federal Hill filed an injunction against BGE, alleging that the utility installed the regulators without their consent and caused damage to historic homes. The order prohibits BGE from cutting off customers' service or installing exterior regulators and meters for another 60 days. The Maryland Public Service Commission has scheduled a hearing to address the relocation of gas service regulators.
Three city residents were arrested during a peaceful protest in Federal Hill while trying to stop Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) from doing gas work in the historic neighborhood. The group calls the actions by BGE and city leaders bullying and are now plaintiffs in a just-filed class-action lawsuit against BGE. BGE claims it is modernizing its gas system by replacing its aging low-pressure gas infrastructure with a higher-pressure system.
Residents in Federal Hill protested against Baltimore Gas and Electric's repairs in their neighborhood, with some being arrested after several warnings from police to leave the work area. BGE wants to install new, safer equipment, but residents disagree, saying their service has even been shut off for resisting the work. They are upset that BGE is placing external gas regulators on their historic homes, which they believe are an eyesore and a safety hazard. Lawyer Thiru Vignarajah is representing the residents as they prepare to file a legal challenge.