 Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has taken steps to enhance its Customer Relief Fund, as many customers are facing unexpected increases in their winter energy bills.
“I was shocked. My bill just about doubled, and I was left wondering why,” said Steve Clift Jr.
Clift Jr. typically sees a bill around $200, but this month it surged to approximately $550.
Struggling with BGE bills? Assistance is available for those who qualify.
Customers continue to face inflated BGE bills this winter.
The utility company reports that, in partnership with the United Way of Central Maryland, it has successfully allocated an additional $2.5 million in relief credits ranging from $200 to $500.
“My main priority is to advocate for our customers, especially during winter when rising energy costs and colder temperatures can elevate bills, placing undue stress on families,” stated Tamla Olivier, BGE’s president and CEO. “Although BGE cannot dictate the costs of electricity and gas, we can determine how we assist our customers and engage with our communities.”
Last summer, BGE’s fund aided over 31,000 customers. The new application process opens on Wednesday, January 21st at 8 a.m.
However, it’s important to note that eligibility criteria are quite specific.
According to BGE, customers must meet the following conditions to be eligible for assistance:
- Have a past-due balance of at least $250.
- Be classified as low-income.
- Be classified as moderate-income or asset-limited.
- Meet income-constrained criteria or employed under the ALICE framework.
Customers who received a CRF credit last year are not eligible. Furthermore, current service turn-off notices have been suspended by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
For Clift Jr., the situation feels hopeless. He has attempted to apply for assistance before, only to be told he made too much. As a single father of two, he begrudgingly paid his utility bill.
“I was incredibly frustrated because I realized I was financially strapped. As soon as I paid that bill, I knew I was broke,” he lamented. “BGE drained every extra dollar I had. It’s unacceptable, and I believe Maryland needs to recognize this and that Wes Moore needs to take action.”
For him, financial circumstances haven’t changed from month to month. He employs various methods to save energy, such as putting a towel under the door to keep the heat in and setting the temperature to a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit while at work.
Unfortunately, external factors beyond his control have created a perfect storm contributing to rising bills.
A colder December, coupled with rate increases from last year and heightened energy demands across the PJM grid, has significantly driven up costs. As of now, there appears to be no immediate relief on the horizon.
“Everyone is affected by this,” said AARP Maryland utility advocate and chairperson for the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition, Laurel Peltier. “In Maryland, both the delivery and supply rates have increased.”
To exacerbate matters, Clift Jr.’s truck broke down this week, leaving him with no extra funds for repairs.
“BGE has consumed every single extra cent I had. It’s outrageous. It’s time for Maryland and Wes Moore to take a stand as we feel robbed,” he expressed. “We’re bearing the brunt of this.”
Clift Jr. isn’t the only resident making difficult sacrifices to manage his BGE expenses.
“I’m constantly faced with hard choices to ensure I can stay warm and keep the heat on,” shared Donna Brown.
Brown transformed her passion for crocheting into a financial lifeline, as her own BGE bill has tripled since she moved into her one-bedroom apartment a few years to take on extra project’s she explained.
Despite being on a fixed income and qualifying for state energy assistance, Brown still finds it challenging to keep up with her bills.
“Every time I turn around, I’m either paying my bill or receiving more turn-off notices,” she remarked.
While immediate solutions to reduce these elevated bills may not be on the horizon, Peltier encourages ratepayers to be proactive in pursuing energy-efficient options. This applies even to renters.
“Homes in the Mid-Atlantic are notoriously drafty, and this was less of an issue ten or fifteen years ago when utility bills weren’t as exorbitant,” Peltier noted. “Now it’s critical that we take steps to improve home energy efficiency.”
She advises everyone to look into community solar programs that could offer customers savings of 20-25%, as well as participate in BGE’s Smart Energy Saver program, which provides rebates for insulation and heating improvements.
For renters, she suggests discussing HVAC maintenance with their landlords, as poorly maintained systems can also contribute to high energy consumption.
