Baltimore City Council to Investigate Surge in BGE Gas Bills

Council President Zeke Cohen to hold hearing on factors behind skyrocketing costs and safety concerns

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:58pm

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The Baltimore City Council will hold a committee hearing on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to investigate the recent surge in Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) gas bills. The hearing, led by Council President Zeke Cohen, will examine the factors contributing to the skyrocketing costs as well as BGE's gas safety oversight and pipeline inspection procedures.

Why it matters

This hearing follows heightened concerns from Baltimore residents about both the affordability and potential safety failures related to the substantial increases in BGE gas bills. The Maryland Public Service Commission has already found that BGE incurred 'egregiously excessive' budget overruns and rate increase requests.

The details

The hearing will look into the reasons behind the surge in BGE gas bills, which have become a major financial burden for many Baltimore households. It will also scrutinize BGE's gas safety practices, including its pipeline inspection procedures, in light of growing public worries about potential safety issues.

  • The hearing will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

The players

Zeke Cohen

Baltimore City Council President, who is leading the committee hearing on the BGE gas bill surge.

Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC)

The state regulatory agency that found BGE incurred 'egregiously excessive' budget overruns and rate increase requests.

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)

The utility company that has seen a substantial increase in gas bills, leading to affordability and safety concerns from Baltimore residents.

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What’s next

The City Council hearing on Thursday will be an important first step in addressing the surge in BGE gas bills and examining the utility's safety practices. Depending on the findings, the Council may take further actions or make recommendations to state regulators.

The takeaway

The skyrocketing BGE gas bills have become a major financial burden for many Baltimore households, raising concerns about both affordability and potential safety issues. This City Council hearing represents an important effort to investigate the root causes and hold the utility accountable for its practices.