City Council Hearing: Committee of the Whole; March 12, 2026

The City Council Committee of the Whole hearing held on March 12, 2026, focused extensively on Baltimore Gas and Electric's (BGE) rate increases, contracting practices, and the impact on Baltimore residents. Council members and witnesses discussed BGE's multi-year rate plans, which have led to significant rate hikes approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC), resulting in record profits for BGE's parent company, Exelon. Concerns were raised about BGE's use of contractors over unionized employees, leading to layoffs and potentially higher costs passed to ratepayers. The council highlighted ongoing investigations into BGE's safety and infrastructure spending, including a paused $500 million transmission line project. Public testimony emphasized the severe financial strain on residents, the inadequacy of current customer assistance programs, and calls for legislative action to tighten regulatory oversight and consider alternatives such as public power. The council committed to introducing legislation to hold BGE accountable and urged support for state bills aimed at reforming utility rate-setting practices.