Beatrice Lang
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is a subsidiary of the Exelon Corporation and is Maryland's largest electricity provider, serving more than 1.2 million electric customers and 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. BGE is not the only electric company in Maryland, as customers can choose from alternative energy suppliers such as Constellation Energy, Direct Energy, and Spark Energy, who use BGE's infrastructure to deliver power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is BGE the only electric company in Maryland? | No, BGE is not the only electric company in Maryland. |
| Alternative electric companies in Maryland | Nordic Energy, Constellation Energy, Direct Energy, and Spark Energy |
| BGE's parent company | Exelon Corporation |
| BGE's number of employees | 3,100 |
| BGE's number of electric customers | 1.2 million or 1.3 million |
| BGE's number of natural gas customers | 650,000 or 700,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) is a subsidiary of the Exelon Corporation
BGE is headquartered in Baltimore and serves the city as well as all or part of 10 counties in central Maryland. It is the first gas company to begin operations in the United States and is the nation's first gas utility. BGE was founded as the \"Gas Light Company of Baltimore\" in 1816 by artist, sculptor, and museum operator Rembrandt Peale.
BGE provides energy reliably and safely and is committed to providing first-class customer service. The company has a strong focus on safety and maintenance, with a history of major outages and gas explosions that have resulted in destruction, injuries, and fatalities. In recent years, BGE has faced challenges in ensuring the safe operation and maintenance of its facilities.
BGE is a member of two shared-crew networks in the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions and actively participates in power restoration efforts after severe weather events. The company has dealt with significant outages due to meteorological events, such as the June 2012 derecho and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. In response to these challenges, BGE has proposed constructing and operating microgrids to generate and distribute electricity during larger outages, but this proposal was rejected by the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2016.
In terms of innovation, BGE began replacing analog electric meters with smart meters in 2012 to create a more cost-effective grid system. However, the transition to smart meters has come with challenges, as BGE requested a rate increase in 2016 to recover the $48 million cost of installation, which was only partially granted by the Maryland Public Service Commission.
BGE offers various programs and initiatives to support its customers and the community. In 2015, BGE launched a program to allow customers to report osprey nests on or near electrical lines, ensuring the safety of both the birds and the power infrastructure. The company also offers the Green Grants program, providing grants of up to $10,000 to environmental non-profits in central Maryland. Since 2013, BGE has awarded over $1 million through this program.
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BGE is Maryland's largest electricity provider
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, commonly known as BGE, is Maryland's largest electricity provider. It serves more than 1.2 million electric customers and over 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. BGE is headquartered in Baltimore and is a subsidiary of the Exelon Corporation.
BGE has a long history in Maryland, dating back to the early 19th century when Rembrandt Peale, an artist, sculptor, and museum operator, incorporated the "Gas Light Company of Baltimore" in 1816. The company later rebranded as Baltimore Gas and Electric in 1955 and began using the acronym BGE in the 1990s.
As the largest utility company in Maryland, BGE plays a crucial role in delivering energy to residential and business customers. It provides natural gas services to approximately 700,000 customers and electric transmission services to about 1.3 million customers. BGE's service area includes Baltimore City and all or part of 10 counties in Central Maryland.
In addition to its core energy services, BGE has also demonstrated a commitment to safety, the environment, and community engagement. For instance, in 2015, BGE launched a program to address osprey nests built on or near electrical lines. The company also offers grants of up to $10,000 to environmental non-profits in central Maryland through its Green Grants program.
While BGE is Maryland's largest electricity provider, it is important to note that customers in Baltimore have the option to choose their energy provider due to deregulation. Alternative energy suppliers in the area include Nordic Energy, Constellation Energy, Direct Energy, and Spark Energy. These companies utilize BGE's infrastructure to deliver electricity to customers' homes but offer additional benefits, such as flexible pricing and innovative solutions.
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BGE provides electricity to over 1.2 million customers
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, commonly known as BGE, is a subsidiary of the Exelon Corporation and is Maryland's largest electricity and gas utility provider. BGE provides electricity to over 1.2 million customers and natural gas services to more than 650,000 customers in central Maryland. The company's electric and natural gas service area includes Baltimore City and all or part of 10 counties in Central Maryland.
BGE has a long history in Maryland, dating back to the incorporation of the "Gas Light Company of Baltimore" by artist, sculptor, and museum operator Rembrandt Peale in 1816. Over the years, BGE has expanded and evolved to become a major player in the state's energy sector. The company employs over 3,100 people in Maryland, making it one of the region's largest private employers.
As the state's largest utility company, BGE plays a crucial role in maintaining the reliability and safety of Maryland's energy infrastructure. The company has dealt with significant meteorological events, such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which caused major outages. In the aftermath, BGE demonstrated its commitment to restoring power to its customers, successfully reconnecting over 300,000 households.
BGE has also shown a dedication to innovation and sustainability. In 2016, the company launched a program to address osprey nests built on or near electrical lines, insulating or relocating them to special platforms. Additionally, BGE has proposed the construction of microgrids to generate and distribute electricity during large outages, although this proposal was rejected by the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2016.
While BGE is the largest, it is not the only electric company in Maryland. The state has a deregulated energy market, allowing customers to choose their energy provider. Alternative providers include Nordic Energy, which uses BGE's infrastructure to deliver electricity to customers. Customers can compare rates and plans from different suppliers, including Constellation Energy, Direct Energy, and Spark Energy, to find the best option for their needs.
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BGE is not the only energy provider in Maryland
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, or BGE, is a subsidiary of the Exelon Corporation and is Maryland's largest electricity and gas utility provider. It has more than 1.2 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. BGE is also the nation's first gas utility.
However, BGE is not the only energy provider in Maryland. Customers in Baltimore, a deregulated area, can compare BGE electric rates and plans with other providers in their service area. These suppliers include Constellation Energy, Direct Energy, and Spark Energy.
One alternative energy provider in Maryland is Nordic Energy. This company provides power using the same infrastructure as BGE, but offers additional benefits such as a dedicated sales executive and more flexible pricing. With Nordic Energy, customers get a contract with a fixed rate for the life of the agreement, making it easy to budget for utility expenses each month.
Another benefit of working with Nordic Energy is that they source electricity from multiple suppliers, passing the savings along to the customer. In contrast, companies that work with just one supplier, like BGE, may pay more and pass those extra costs on to the consumer.
In summary, while BGE is a major player in the Maryland energy market, it is not the only option for consumers. Maryland residents can choose from a range of energy providers and compare rates to find the best deal for their needs.
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Customers can compare BGE's rates with other providers
Customers in Maryland can compare BGE's rates with other energy providers. BGE's default supply rate for electricity is known as the "Price to Compare", which is the price customers pay if they do not take advantage of Energy Choice. This is the benchmark rate that customers can use to compare electricity rates from competing providers. As of March 22, 2024, BGE's current price-to-compare was 11.11 cents.
BGE customers can choose their electricity supplier and save money over their default electricity rate. BGE's electricity rates vary over time, but it has some of the best supplier rates in Maryland. Several factors influence electricity rates, including fuel costs and infrastructure investments. BGE's Standard Offer Service is a regulated rate for residential and small commercial customers who have not chosen an alternate supplier. Market-Based Rates are for large commercial and industrial customers who can shop for competitive electricity rates from licensed suppliers.
Maryland's Empower Maryland program, launched in 2008, aims to save money by improving energy efficiency and reducing statewide energy demand. BGE customers can save on energy costs through home check-ups and discounts on Energy Star appliances.
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Frequently asked questions
No, BGE is not the only electric company in Maryland. While BGE is the largest electricity provider in Maryland, other companies such as Nordic Energy also provide electricity to residents in Maryland.
BGE stands for Baltimore Gas and Electric.
BGE provides electricity to more than 1.2 million customers and natural gas services to more than 650,000 customers in central Maryland.
The contact number for general customer service at BGE is 1-800-685-0123.
No, you cannot choose your utility company in Maryland as it is based on where you live. However, you can choose your energy provider and compare rates and plans with other providers in your service area.
