The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company is the largest utility in Maryland, with more than one million customers. This includes commercial and residential customers in Maryland’s central region. The company is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, has been serving the region for more than 200 years.
BGE has been a good corporate citizen, investing in its employees and the community. It has been involved in education, environmental and neighborhood development. BGE helps its neighbors by investing in volunteering and culture programs. BGE supplies electricity and natural gas to 10 counties in central Maryland in addition to the Baltimore region.
The month before gas and electric rates were both increased. BGE’s average customer should expect an increase of $2 to $3 on their monthly bill. However, customers can avail the Energy Choice program to choose an alternative provider. Consumers will not experience any disruptions once the new provider takes over of the service. In addition, the supplier will show up on the BGE bill within one or two billing cycles.
Consumers can also take advantage of the Time of Use rate. The rate is $0.07/kWh during off-peak times. The rate for peak-hour use is $0.36 Both are available until April 1, 2022.
BGE rates currently are based upon an 9.5% ROE. The prices have always been lower due to commodity price drops. However recently, a 15 percent increase in the price of an electric commodity will lead to an increase in costs for the average consumer.
The company has taken several steps to improve efficiency and ensure the protection of the environment. They include a smart energy program, and an energy audit for homes. Customers can also receive discounts on energy star appliances. The company also has an employee volunteer program for security and wellness.
In the first quarter of the year, BGE spent $405 million on improvements to its services. Its electric and gas systems were upgraded to replace 60 miles worth of gas mains and more that 10,000 gas services. Some of the improvements include trimming 2,440 miles of plant life along distribution lines. Other projects include a range of overhead circuit routes and 15 underground circuit routes.
Baltimoare Gas and Electric has been enhancing its service for more than 200 years. Its current service area includes Baltimore City, all or part of the 10 central Maryland counties, and a portion of two other cities. There are around 25,000 miles worth of power lines. To maintain the lines, the company has been replacing around 80 miles of underground circuits, and also repairing about 37,000 poles.
The company has also spent $1.8 billion on improvements to the delivery system. The company is responsible for billing and customer service. BGE has a natural gas network covering more than 7,100 miles. Since 1816 BGE has been providing service to the Baltimore area.
The company also offers an Smart Energy Savers Program. Customers can earn bill credits and rewards by switching to more efficient ways of using electricity or gas through this program.
