BGE says 300,000 Baltimore customers are behind on bills as rates and collections rise

Baltimore Gas and Electric has reported that 300,000 electric customers are behind on payments.

The information was reported by BGE to the Maryland Public Service Commission in June.

iRenee Nuckles, who lives in Southwest Baltimore, said she is struggling to care for her mother, Pamela Monitor, while managing rising utility bills.

“As her bill began to climb, it went from $300 to $1,800 in one month,” Nuckles said.

She added that she and her mother have sought help from multiple agencies to address their utility payments.

“They are sending me from one place to another with my mom,” Nuckles said.

Matt Gola, another BGE customer, said he noticed his bill increase again this summer.

“I was demoralized. There’s nothing you can do,” Gola said.

Reflecting on the number of customers struggling to pay their bills, Gola added, “It shows no one can afford this, and it makes me think back on all the profits BGE are making. You’re making profits off people going to collections, not being able to afford the bills.”

A moratorium on service disconnections ended in July and BGE has emphasized its efforts to assist customers who are behind on payments.

A company spokesperson outlined several measures, including extended payment arrangements of up to 18–24 months and no deposit requirements for customers seeking to maintain or restore service.

“To be clear, disconnection is always the last resort. We never want to disconnect somebody,” BGE spokesman Nick Alexopulos told WBAL-TV 11 News. “That’s why, especially this summer, we’ve taken additional steps to help customers who are struggling to pay their bill get back on track.”

However, customers and city leaders have also expressed concerns about a recent rate hike requested by BGE.

“This is a company making record profits at the same time their customers, my constituents, are suffering and trying to pay the bills,” said City Council President Zeke Cohen, D-District 1.

In response, the BGE spokesperson said, “Our recent rate case was filed through the lens of affordability. It is bare bones. Our objective is to make sure we can maintain the current level of reliability.”

Alexopulos added that the utility is continually working to provide the best service to customers at the lowest cost.