Lawmakers and Advocates Criticize BGE for 'Excessive' Pipeline Spending

Proposed legislation aims to address utility's pipeline replacement program and expansion into power generation

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Lawmakers and advocates in Maryland have called out Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) for what they describe as 'excessive' spending on pipeline infrastructure. They also oppose the utility's efforts to expand into power generation, arguing it is a 'money grab' that will raise utility bills for customers. Two bills have been proposed - one to repeal the 2013 STRIDE law that allows BGE to quickly replace aging gas pipelines, and another to prevent the utility from owning new generation projects.

Why it matters

The debate over BGE's pipeline spending and power generation plans highlights the ongoing tensions between utilities, lawmakers, and consumer advocates over the costs and priorities of upgrading aging energy infrastructure. The outcome could have significant impacts on utility rates and the state's energy landscape.

The details

At a committee hearing, several residents joined advocates and lawmakers to voice concerns about BGE's pipeline replacement program under the STRIDE law, as well as the utility's push to own new power generation projects. Critics argue the pipeline work is excessive and a 'money grab' that raises rates, while BGE contends the aging infrastructure must be replaced quickly for safety. The utility also says owning generation will help address reliability and affordability issues, but opponents view it as a profit-driven move that will further increase bills.

  • The committee hearing took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The two bills discussed - one to repeal STRIDE and another to prevent BGE from owning generation - are now headed to subcommittees before reaching the full House floor.

The players

Lauren Byrd

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

Brittany Jones

BGE's vice president of government and external affairs, who argued the utility's generation ownership plan could help address reliability and affordability issues.

Dylan Behler

An Anne Arundel County delegate, D-District 30A, who criticized the 'money grab' by corporate utilities like BGE through programs like STRIDE.

Lorig Charkoudian

A Montgomery County delegate, D-District 20, who said Exelon utilities have pursued an aggressive strategy of building infrastructure to charge ratepayers over time.

Nick Alexopulos

A spokesman for BGE, who defended the utility's need to quickly replace aging gas infrastructure that is over 100 years old.

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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 (98online.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 (98online.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, D-District 30A (98online.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, D-District 20 (98online.com)

“We have gas infrastructure in our system that is over 100 years old. It absolutely needs to be replaced. It needs to be replaced fast, and it needs to be replaced now.”

— Nick Alexopulos, Spokesman for BGE (98online.com)

What’s next

The two bills discussed at the committee hearing will now head to subcommittees before reaching the full House floor for further consideration.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between utilities, lawmakers, and consumer advocates over the costs and priorities of upgrading aging energy infrastructure. The outcome could have significant impacts on utility rates and Maryland's energy landscape, with implications for ratepayers, pipeline safety, and the state's transition to cleaner power sources.