Higher BGE bills on the way

BALTIMORE - Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)  filed with the the Maryland Public Service Commission Thursday to raise electricity and gas bills for homes and businesses across the state.

Citing “continued investments” in the electric and gas systems, the proposed adjustments would raise residential bills by 6.6 percent or $7.22 per month. Residential gas bills are expected to increase 7.9 percent per month or $4.62.

"We realize that any increase in our electricity and gas distribution rates can be a burden for our customers, particularly given today's difficult economic times," said Kenneth W. DeFontes Jr., president and chief executive officer of BGE.  "The adjustments we have requested position BGE to continue to make essential upgrades, with an emphasis on modernizing our infrastructure for enhanced reliability and safety.

BGE said the money from the rate adjustment will help to upgrade natural gas infrastructure, maintain and replace poles, overhead lines and underground cable and trim trees and vegetation threatening lines.

It is expected that the PSC will begin its formal rate review process shortly and conclude its review in February 2013. Any changes in rates would become effective only after the conclusion of the PSC's review.