Lawmakers and Advocates Call Out BGE for 'Excessive' Pipeline Spending

Proposed legislation sparks debate over utility's expansion into power generation and gas pipeline replacement projects

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Several residents, advocates, and lawmakers in Annapolis rallied against Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)'s push to own new generation projects and expand its gas pipeline replacement program. They argue these efforts are a 'money grab' that will increase utility bills for customers. BGE defends the proposals as necessary to improve reliability and affordability through solar generation and pipeline upgrades.

Why it matters

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between utilities, lawmakers, and consumer advocates over the balance between infrastructure investment, energy affordability, and corporate profits. The outcome of these bills could significantly impact BGE's business model and the costs borne by Maryland ratepayers.

The details

BGE is seeking approval to own new generation projects as part of the Affordable Energy Act, arguing this will help solve reliability and affordability issues through increased solar power. However, opponents call this a money grab that will boost utility profits and raise customer bills. The other bill, the Break STRIDE Act, would repeal a 2013 law that enabled BGE's gas pipeline replacement program, which critics say has allowed excessive spending. BGE defends the pipeline work as necessary to replace aging infrastructure.

  • The committee hearing on the bills took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The bills will now move to subcommittees before reaching the full House floor.

The players

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)

The electric and gas utility serving the Baltimore metropolitan area, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation.

Lauren Byrd

A Baltimore resident who spoke out against BGE's actions at the hearing.

Brittany Jones

BGE's vice president of government and external affairs, who defended the utility's proposals.

Dylan Behler

An Anne Arundel County delegate who criticized BGE's 'money grab' and the STRIDE program.

Lorig Charkoudian

A Montgomery County delegate who argued Exelon utilities have pursued an aggressive expansion strategy to charge ratepayers.

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What they’re saying

“I feel BGE is not taking good care of their captive customer base, no matter what they say here in Annapolis.”

— Lauren Byrd, Baltimore resident (wbaltv.com)

“This bill would allow a different solution for customers where we can increase the amount of generation in the state, which is desperately needed, and the byproduct of that is the prices in the capacity market could decline.”

— Brittany Jones, BGE's vice president of government and external affairs (wbaltv.com)

“What we're seeing across the state is a tremendous money grab by our corporate utilities, and it's so unfortunate that it's being put on the backs of our ratepayers. One of the biggest reasons for that is the STRIDE program itself.”

— Dylan Behler, Anne Arundel County Delegate (wbaltv.com)

“What we know then is Exelon utilities have, as a corporate strategy, built as much as you can as fast as you can, so you can keep charging ratepayers for that over time.”

— Lorig Charkoudian, Montgomery County Delegate (wbaltv.com)

What’s next

The bills will now move to subcommittees before reaching the full House floor for consideration.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between utilities, lawmakers, and consumer advocates over balancing infrastructure investment, energy affordability, and corporate profits. The outcome of these bills could significantly impact BGE's business model and the costs borne by Maryland ratepayers.