BGE: Higher-than-expected bills for July

BALTIMORE, Md. - Baltimore Gas and Electric is asking customers to be prepared for higher than expected bills for July.

In July there were 20 days when the temperature was at or above 90 degrees, compared to 14 in June. The average high temperature for July 2010 was 91.8 degrees compared to 88.4 degrees in June 2010 and 84.3 degrees in July 2009.

The average electric usage for BGE's residential customers was 1,368 kilowatt hours (kWh) in July 2010, compared to 1,133 kWh one month earlier and 1,060 kWh in July of 2009.

"While BGE's Central Maryland service area is experiencing a record breaking summer, there are still many opportunities for our customers to conserve energy and better manage their BGE bills," said Jeannette M. Mills, senior vice president of customer relations and account services for BGE. "In addition to enrolling into BGE's Budget Billing program which evens out payments so customers aren't as affected by seasonal fluctuations in usage, customers should consider participating in one or more of the many offerings of BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program SM , all of which are intended to help customers reduce energy usage."

BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program SM includes rebates of up to $400 for participation in its Residential Heating and Cooling programs , bill credits of up to $200 for the first year of participation in the PeakRewards SM program, as well as many other cost savings. Additional grants from the Maryland Energy Administration may be available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

BGE advises customers of ways to bring their bills down and conserve electric. Customers are encouraged to participate in the Smart Energy Savers Program, which is intended to promote conservation and reduce energy usage to help lower energy bills. Customers should also consider purchasing electricity or natural gas from a third-party supplier. They may offer rates lower than BGE's.

Customers having trouble paying their bill should contact BGE as soon as possible to make payment arrangements. Limited income customers are strongly encouraged to apply for energy assistance before they are in crisis. For more information, contact the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) at 800-352-1446. Residents of Baltimore City should call 410-396-5555.