Maryland lawmakers fight against BGE's skyrocketing price hikes

In Maryland, lawmakers have introduced the Ratepayer Protection Act as a response to growing concerns from both homeowners and businesses regarding the rapid increases in gas bills charged by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). This legislative move took place against the backdrop of significant criticism following BGE's pipeline replacement project, which critics argue has been inefficient and overly costly. The proposed act aims to mandate that gas companies focus on reducing pipeline spending instead of raising customer rates, emphasizing the importance of identifying and fixing gas leaks to minimize expenses. The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC) has reported alarming data, revealing that BGE's gas delivery rates have more than tripled since 2010. This substantial increase is mirrored by a significant rise in BGE’s profits, which escalated from $147 million in 2010 to $485 million in 2023. The Ratepayer Protection Act seeks to rectify this situation, as lawmakers push for greater accountability and transparency from gas companies in how they manage infrastructure replacement projects. The bill stipulates that any proposed project needs to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and pose minimal risk to the public. To ensure that customers are well-informed about upcoming changes, the proposed legislation would require that gas companies provide advance notifications to customers at least two years before any construction begins. This should give customers an opportunity to explore alternatives, such as transitioning to electric utilities. As the OPC anticipates, without intervention, BGE's average monthly bills could reach $450 by the year 2035, dramatically affecting many households across the state. A hearing for the Ratepayer Protection Act is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this legislation. State leaders, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, are expected to provide further details about the proposed bill in an upcoming news conference. The collective efforts of state leaders, advocates, and concerned citizens highlight the ongoing tension surrounding energy costs in Maryland and the necessity for legislative action to protect ratepayers from exorbitant utility expenses.