Baltimore Council Investigates BGE Rate Increases

The Baltimore City Council, led by Councilman Zeke Cohen, is addressing the rising rates of Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), which have surged nearly three times the rate of inflation since 2010, causing significant financial strain on residents and businesses. Restaurant owner Matthew Oetting and resident Nicole Rogers are among those severely impacted by the increases. In response, the council is holding public hearings and supporting the Ratepayer Protection Act to find solutions, with BGE pausing service disconnections and waiving late fees due to unexpected high bills. The Legislative Investigations Committee, chaired by Councilmember Yitzy Schleifer, is tasked with examining the issue and advocating for ratepayers. BGE cites rising energy costs and infrastructure investments as reasons for the increases, but community leaders demand more accountability and relief measures.