Tag

Maryland Public Service Commission

All articles tagged with #maryland public service commission

Maryland Public Service Commission Approves BGE's $408 Million Rate Hike
energy2 years ago

Maryland Public Service Commission Approves BGE's $408 Million Rate Hike

The Maryland Public Service Commission has approved a rate increase of nearly $408 million for Baltimore Gas and Electric Company's multi-year rate plan, covering both gas and electric services. The approved rates will result in average bill increases of $4.08 per month for residential electric customers and $10.43 per month for residential gas customers in 2024, with smaller increases in subsequent years. The Commission also expressed concerns about a new conduit agreement between BGE and Baltimore City, which may impose future burdens on ratepayers. The agreement will be subject to ongoing prudence reviews, and the Commission will require a cost analysis in every rate case until the contract costs are fully recovered. Other issues addressed include the denial of a request to terminate the multi-year rate plan and the rejection of proposed performance incentive mechanisms by BGE.

Empowering Customers: PSC Allows Choice in Gas Regulator Installation
energy2 years ago

Empowering Customers: PSC Allows Choice in Gas Regulator Installation

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customers in Maryland now have the option to decide whether to have high-pressure gas regulators installed on the exterior or interior of their single-family homes, according to a ruling by the Maryland Public Service Commission. This comes after BGE faced criticism for installing the regulators on historic homes in Federal Hill. A temporary restraining order has been extended, preventing BGE from installing new external gas regulators. The commission's order also states that utilities cannot terminate service for customers who decline an exterior installation, as long as it does not violate state or federal law or compromise safety.

BGE Forced to Give Customers Choice in Gas Regulator Placement
energy2 years ago

BGE Forced to Give Customers Choice in Gas Regulator Placement

The Maryland Public Service Commission has ruled that Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE) cannot require the installation of gas regulators on the outside of homes, giving residents the choice of whether to have them inside or outside. The commission stated that while they generally prefer external regulators, both indoor and outdoor options are allowed as long as proper engineering standards are followed. BGE will need to issue a written notice to customers 14 days in advance, allowing them to choose between external and internal regulators. The commission also determined that BGE cannot terminate gas service for residents who decline the installation of exterior gas regulators. The decision comes after months of community opposition, lawsuits, and city agency involvement.

"Baltimore City Council Takes Stand Against BGE Rate Hikes"
energy2 years ago

"Baltimore City Council Takes Stand Against BGE Rate Hikes"

The Baltimore City Council has passed a resolution opposing rate hikes proposed by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). Councilman Zeke Cohen introduced the resolution, urging the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject BGE's multiyear rate plan, which would increase gas distribution rates by 61% and electric distribution rates by 31% over three years. Cohen argues that the plan is unnecessary, costly to ratepayers, and harmful to the environment. BGE disputes Cohen's claims, stating that the plan would result in a 5% average annual increase in residential bills. The utility argues that the rate increases are necessary to fund gas infrastructure upgrades and meet Maryland's decarbonization goals. The PSC has scheduled a hearing on the matter.

"BGE external regulators granted extended temporary restraining order by judge"
energy2 years ago

"BGE external regulators granted extended temporary restraining order by judge"

A judge has extended a temporary restraining order against Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) regarding the installation of external gas regulators in the Federal Hill neighborhood. Homeowners in Federal Hill filed an injunction against BGE, alleging that the utility installed the regulators without their consent and caused damage to historic homes. The order prohibits BGE from cutting off customers' service or installing exterior regulators and meters for another 60 days. The Maryland Public Service Commission has scheduled a hearing to address the relocation of gas service regulators.