BGE Pauses Port Covington Transmission Project After Community Pushback

Utility cites need to deepen engagement with residents and review recommendations from state leaders.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has temporarily paused design and engineering work on its Port Covington transmission project, citing the need to further engage with local residents and community leaders, as well as incorporate updated development plans from the new owners of the Baltimore Peninsula and review recommendations raised by Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson.

Why it matters

The Port Covington transmission project has faced significant pushback from residents and state leaders who have raised concerns about the project's cost and potential impact on nearby neighborhoods. BGE's decision to pause the project reflects the utility's efforts to be more responsive to community feedback and ensure the project aligns with the needs and priorities of local stakeholders.

The details

BGE stated that the project is necessary to address reliability risks from aging transmission and distribution infrastructure dating back to the 1950s, and that the risk grows each day this equipment remains in use. However, the utility acknowledged the need to deepen its engagement with the community and incorporate updated development plans from the new owners of the Baltimore Peninsula.

  • BGE announced the pause on the project on March 4, 2026.

The players

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)

A utility company that provides electricity and natural gas services to customers in central Maryland.

Bill Ferguson

The Maryland Senate President, who has criticized the BGE Peninsula project and advocated for greater accountability to customers.

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What they’re saying

“This decision is what happens when neighborhoods and elected officials organize to hold utility companies accountable to the customers they serve.”

— Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President (X)

What’s next

BGE stated that it remains committed to pursuing the important work to provide customers with affordable, safe, and reliable service and secure a more resilient, sustainable energy future for the state of Maryland.

The takeaway

The pause on the Port Covington transmission project highlights the importance of community engagement and responsiveness from utility companies when undertaking major infrastructure projects that can impact local neighborhoods. It also demonstrates the power of organized community action and elected officials in holding utilities accountable to the needs and priorities of their customers.