6-16-2025 4:34am

State Offers $19M

Relief Plan Amid MD Electric Rate Hikes Announced: See Who Qualifies

The MD initiative will provide a total of $19 million in relief after increased electric rates took effect on June 1. See who qualifies.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Gov. Wes Moore unveiled an initiative that will provide a total of $19 million to help some Maryland residents pay their electric bills following massive rate increases that went into effect on June 1.

Moore joined Maryland utility providers and nonprofit partners at a news conference Thursday to announce the launch of the Customer Relief Fund, which will provide relief for limited- and middle-income ratepayers in the state.

The fund is a temporary assistance program that will be administered through local nonprofit partners across the Baltimore Gas and Electric, Pepco and Delmarva Power service areas in Maryland.

"Not a day goes by without me hearing from Marylanders about their real and justified concerns over steep bill increases," Moore said. "While this is an important step forward, it will not be the last. Marylanders are counting on us to put the interests of the people first."

Officials said the one-time grants will range between $250 and $750 for BGE ratepayers, and up to $300 for Pepco and Delmarva Power ratepayers.

The United Way of Central Maryland will administer grants for BGE customers and the Salvation Army for Pepco customers. The Harford Community Action Agency, the Salvation Army and Shore UP! will administer grants for Delmarva Power customers.

Funding will be donated by utility parent company Exelon, according to the state.

Ratepayers are encouraged to visit the websites of their local energy companies to learn more about eligibility and how to secure support.

While rate increases went into effect on June 1, the exact amount differs depending on where ratepayers live.

A report from the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel, released last August, estimated that Delmarva Power households could see a $4 monthly increase, Pepco and SMECO customers could see a $14 increase and Potomac Edison customers could see an $18 increase.

BGE customers would fare the worst, with a $21 jump.

Ahead of the hike, Maryland’s utility regulator, the Public Service Commission, ordered BGE to spread out the increase to lessen the impact during the summer months, when bills typically soar due to high energy use.

As a result, the increase will be $10 to $15 less than expected on bills from June through August. But from September through November, bills will be $10 to $15 higher than expected, PSC spokesperson Kathy Fueston told Maryland Matters.

The reason behind the increase stems from PJM Interconnection, which manages the electric grid and coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity across a large portion of the eastern United States. The organization runs an annual auction called the capacity market auction, which ensures there is sufficient power during peak times.

Last year’s auction, which covers 2025, cleared at a record high price — an 800 percent increase compared to the year before, costing ratepayers a total of $14.7 billion in capacity costs, compared to $2.2 billion previously.

PJM blamed the shutdown of costly coal and oil plants, energy demands from data centers, and the electrification of homes and cars, among other factors.

BGE Customer Relief Fund

Beginning July 1, BGE is energizing its commitment to our communities by launching a one-time relief fund that provides financial support for those struggling with high energy costs. The fund will be administered by United Way of Central Maryland, a trusted organization committed to responsible and equitable distributions of grant funds.

Program Overview

We understand that any change in your living expenses can be challenging to manage. That’s why, beginning July 1, residential customers will be able to apply for assistance through our temporary BGE Customer Relief Fund, a $15 million fund administered by United Way of Central Maryland that will provide eligible BGE customers relief in the form of a one-time grant ranging from $250 to $750. Approved grants will be credited to customers’ BGE account.

The BGE Customer Relief Fund is made possible through a one-time charitable contribution to United Way of Central Maryland by Exelon, BGE’s parent company, and is designed to support limited- and middle-income customers. We realize that customers are bearing the brunt of increasing energy costs as demand rises and supply is not there to meet it. BGE and Exelon are committed to advocating for customers and working to find solutions.

Eligibility

BGE residential customers who meet limited-income or moderate-income/Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) criteria, along with other qualifiers, and have a past-due BGE account balance will be eligible to apply for relief from the company’s Customer Relief Fund.

How to Apply

Beginning July 1, eligible BGE customers can apply for relief assistance to manage high energy costs. The application, when open, will be available on United Way of Central Maryland's website and linked from this page.

Committed to Assistance Year-Round

The Customer Relief Fund is a new and one-time program in addition to BGE’s existing efforts to make energy affordable and to help customers manage their bills. Customers can visit bge.com/heretohelp for more ways to manage their bill, use energy more efficiently, or access energy assistance. This includes:

BGE’s self-service Assistance Finder , which provides simple and personalized recommendations.

Financial assistance through state programs and the Fuel Fund of Maryland .

Payment arrangements and due-date extensions. For extenuating circumstances needing payment arrangements beyond 12 months, please call BGE at 800-685-0123.
Budget billing information and online self-serve sign-up for customers who prefer a predictable monthly bill that spreads energy costs throughout the year.