BGE Reports 300,000 Delinquent Accounts Amid Rate Hike Request

Approximately 300,000 customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) were delinquent on their utility bills in June, according to data reported to the Maryland Public Service Commission. This figure represents nearly 19% of the company's 1.6 million residential and commercial accounts and marks an increase of 10,000 overdue customers since March.

The rise in delinquencies follows the end of a service disconnection moratorium in July. In response, BGE has implemented assistance measures, including budget-based billing, waived deposit requirements, and payment plans extending 18 to 24 months.

City Council President Zeke Cohen and local residents have criticized the utility company for seeking an electric rate increase for next year while reporting record profits. Cohen noted that the company is making record gains while constituents struggle to pay their bills. BGE has maintained that disconnection is a last resort and that the company does not want to disconnect customers.