Councilmember Cohen Will Introduce Resolution to Oppose BGE Rate Hikes
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Contact: Maggie Master
maggie.master@BaltimoreCity.gov
443-429-0417
Councilmember Cohen Will Introduce Resolution to Oppose BGE Rate Hikes
Cohen calls on the Public Service Commission to reject BGE’s proposed multi-year rate plan.
BALTIMORE, MD (July 12, 2023)
At Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Zeke Cohen will introduce a resolution calling on the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject Baltimore Gas & Electric’s (BGE) proposed multi-year rate plan. The plan would increase gas distribution rates by 61 percent and electric distribution rates by 31 percent over a 3-year period, relative to 2023 rates. Cohen’s resolution argues that the plan is unnecessary and costly to ratepayers, that BGE has not been a good partner to City residents, and it will be harmful from an environmental perspective.
Cohen’s resolution states that the proposed multi-year plan allows BGE to pass the cost of extensive capital investments, including citywide gas main replacements and external regulators, onto residents. He believes that it would be more responsible and cost-effective, though less profitable for BGE, to prioritize gas main replacements based on need, and to repair existing infrastructure rather than replacing gas mains across the entire city.
“While it is important to provide higher-pressure gas service to those who need it, during my six years in office I have not seen nearly enough of these complaints to justify replacing every gas main in the City,” says Cohen. “This feels like an expensive solution in need of a problem.”
Cohen notes that his office has fielded numerous complaints about BGE in recent months, largely related to problems caused by gas service upgrades.
“Constituents are concerned about disruptions to their neighborhoods caused by gas main replacements, poor communication and sloppy workmanship by BGE and its contractors, and illegal gas shutoffs to homeowners who refuse external gas regulators. Also residents should have a voice in determining the placement of regulators.” says Cohen.
Finally, Cohen notes the harmful impact of the multi-year rate plan on the environment.
“In this moment of climate crisis, when our City and State are striving toward carbon neutrality, The Public Service Commission should use their regulatory power to end the cycle of endless, poorly executed, and often unnecessary fossil fuel upgrades at ratepayers’ expense,” says Cohen.
Cohen will host a press conference with community advocates at 11am in front of City Hall on July 17th. The PSC will hear BGE’s case beginning on August 30.
