Why Is My Bill So High?

Summer and winter bills are particularly alarming because BGE has increased its delivery rates.

  • Your BGE bill combines the costs of gas and electricity, plus the delivery costs for each.

  • More than half of the energy we use in our homes is for heating and cooling, so bills are usually highest in the winter and summer.

  • That’s no excuse for outrageous rates. Utilities have an obligation to provide safe, affordable, and reliable energy to customers year round.

BGE delivery rates are rising 

BGE has substantially increased delivery rates for both gas and electricity.

Since 2010:

  • Gas delivery rates increased 246% – about triple the inflation rate.

  • Electric delivery rates increased 92% – about twice the inflation rate.

  • BGE profits have tripled from $147 million to $527 million in 2024.

BGE spending and profits are rising

Delivery rates are directly tied to spending. The more BGE spends, the larger its opportunity to profit. This creates a powerful incentive for wasteful spending.

BGE has spent $1.4 billion on its gas pipeline replacement program in the last decade. Customers pay for all of that spending plus profits.

This spending has not substantially improved safety.

In April, a PSC report found that BGE’s mismanagement increased risks of gas pipeline explosions. Now, a full investigation is underway.

In 2025 the legislature passed important legislation to ensure gas pipeline spending prioritizes safety and to stop wasteful spending by gas and electric utilities, but we’ll need to push hard to ensure utility regulators follow through.

A few more notes

  1. The EmPOWER surcharge has increased this year. The EmPOWER program funds energy efficiency programs that help lower energy use and bills, and has saved ratepayers billions on their energy bills. EmPOWER offers rebates and incentives for home weatherization and efficient appliances. 

  2. BGE electric supply costs went up 5.5% on June 1st, and will rise 25% in September, so while electric usage may decline, bills will likely remain high.

Text courtesy Maryland PIRG

We need our legislators to act. We’re calling on state leaders to ensure gas pipeline spending addresses safety risks and to stop wasteful utility spending that is driving up our bills.