BGE has resumed collections in Maryland after a monthlong, state-ordered pause prompted by customer-service problems; residential disconnections were permitted to restart on or after July 15, 2026 but were briefly delayed by extreme heat and unhealthy air. An analysis found more than 243,000 households were behind on bills by an average of $735 as of March 2026, up over 19% year-over-year. BGE has requested a $156 million rate increase and a 10.4% return on equity while offering 18–24 month payment plans and promoting state assistance programs. Advocates warn rising rates and growing utility profits are putting pressure on struggling families; a PSC hearing is set for Aug 11.
BGE Resumes Collections in Maryland as 243,000+ Households Fall Behind — $735 Average Arrears
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Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has resumed collections activities in Maryland and may again disconnect residential service for unpaid bills after a state-ordered pause tied to customer-service failures. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) had temporarily halted shutoffs amid concerns that some customers could not reach the company for help; the pause expired for residential accounts on or after July 15, 2026.
BGE says it is "gradually resuming normal collections activities, including reminder notifications and turn-off notices," while also contacting customers about payment plans, budget billing and energy-assistance options. The company has delayed immediate disconnections during extreme weather: it postponed actions while temperatures exceeded 95°F, and the PSC issued an additional seven-day hold on July 17 because of unhealthy air, extending the ban on shutoffs through July 27.
Household Debt and Assistance Gaps
An analysis by the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition found that as of March 2026 more than 243,000 households in BGE's service territory that had not received energy-assistance grants were behind on bills, owing an average of $735 each — an increase of more than 19% from March 2025. The coalition also reported that only about 30% of households eligible for state energy-assistance grants applied in 2025, leaving many families potentially without aid.
Rate Request and Regulatory Review
At the same time BGE is asking regulators for a $156 million rate increase and a proposed 10.4% return on equity. Consumer and community advocates argue the request prioritizes utility profits while customers struggle with inflation and rising energy costs; the coalition noted BGE’s reported earnings rose from $147 million in 2010 to $578 million in 2025. An initial PSC hearing on the company's rate and return proposal is scheduled for 11 a.m. on August 11.
Company Steps To Lessen Harm
BGE says it will offer extended payment arrangements (typically 18–24 months), waive deposits for some overdue customers trying to maintain or restore service, and continue promoting state and non-profit assistance programs such as the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) and the Fuel Fund. BGE also highlights energy-efficiency and bill-reduction options, including Maryland's Community Solar program and EmPOWER Maryland services like home energy checkups and HVAC tune-ups.
Laurel Peltier, chair of the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition, urged residents with unpaid BGE balances to act now, saying many will qualify for programs to help pay their bills. Jennifer Bevan-Dangel, deputy director of Economic Action Maryland Fund, added that BGE's rates are rising faster than inflation and called on regulators to intervene to curb what she described as excessive profits.
Customers who owe money should contact BGE promptly to discuss payment-plan options and to learn about grant eligibility (notably for households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level). Local agencies and non-profits can help with applications for assistance and efficiency programs that can reduce future bills.
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