BGE and United Way of Central Maryland Expand Customer Relief Fund to Help Manage Higher Winter Energy Costs

BALTIMORE, MD (January 13, 2026) - BGE today announced the expansion of its Customer Relief Fund (CRF) in collaboration with United Way of Central Maryland, providing $2.5 million to support customers in need throughout central Maryland. The additional contribution from BGE’s parent company Exelon, builds on the $15 million invested in customer assistance over the past year to address energy affordability. BGE does not control or profit from increasing energy supply costs, a key driver of increased costs on customer bills.

“My responsibility is first and foremost to advocate for our customers, especially during the winter months when rising energy supply costs and colder weather can drive bills higher, placing a real burden on families,” said Tamla Olivier, president and CEO of BGE. “While BGE does not control the price of electric and gas, we can control how we support our customers and show up for our communities. That means not just acknowledging these pressures beyond our control but actively working toward solutions and continuing to show up for our customers. Last summer, the Customer Relief Fund supported more than 31,000 customers. By partnering with United Way of Central Maryland, we will help as many customers as possible and continue connecting them to the support they need.”

Beginning January 21 at 8 a.m., eligible residential gas customers in the BGE service area will be able to apply for additional relief from energy cost challenges driven by colder weather and higher energy supply costs at mdutilityrelief.org. Funds will be awarded as applications are received until the fund is fully allocated.

• BGE residential gas customers who meet limited-income or moderate-income/Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) criteria and have a past-due balance of at least $250, are eligible to apply for relief credits between $250 - $500.
• To help ensure funds reach as many households as possible, customers who received a CRF credit in 2025 are not eligible to apply.

“Winter can be challenging, and many families need extra support to stay comfortable and secure,” said Franklyn Baker, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. "Our enduring partnership with BGE allows us to respond to this critical need together -- providing relief and hope when it matters most. United for good, we’re ensuring that our neighbors can stay safe and warm while helping make our community more resilient.”

How the Customer Relief Fund Works
BGE is providing $2.5 million in funding to United Way of Central Maryland, which will administer funds to eligible BGE residential gas customers across central Maryland. Applications will open on January 21 at 8 a.m.
The expanded Customer Relief Fund complements BGE’s existing year-round efforts to support customers and communities, including customer bill assistance programs, energy efficiency initiatives, and tools that help customers manage energy use and costs.

To learn more about the Customer Relief Fund, visit bge.com/relief or mdutilityrelief.org.
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About BGE
BGE is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility, providing safe and reliable energy delivery to more than 1.3 million electric customers and 700,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland. The company was founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility and remains headquartered in Baltimore City to this day. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), one of the nation's largest energy utility companies. Engage with the latest BGE stories on bgenow.com and connect with BGE on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

About United Way of Central Maryland
For more than 100 years, United Way of Central Maryland has helped build healthy and resilient communities, expand youth opportunities, and strengthen financial security for people and neighborhoods in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. Learn more at uwcm.org