BGE Offers Help for Skyrocketing Utility Bills

As winter temperatures have plunged, utility bills have climbed an average of 10 percent in January alone, says Baltimore Gas & Electric.

So the utility is offering budget billing plans to help customers ease the pain caused by the polar vortex and weeks of cold temperatures, reports WJZ TV.

“To assist customers with high winter heating bills, we are offering customers immediate enrollment into our Budget Billing program, which spreads payments out over a 12 month period so customers aren’t as affected by seasonal increases in usage,” said Carol Dodson, vice president and chief customer officer for BGE. “Typically, the enrollment process takes a full billing cycle. Customers who wish to enroll in Budget Billing should call BGE at (800) 685-0123 and we will incorporate their current winter bills, thus spreading out their utility costs over a full-year average.”

BGE customers who owe up to $500 in back payments can enroll in the Budget Billing program.

Customers who owe more than $500 in late payments should also call to discuss their payment options, the company says on its website.

Limited income customers should apply for energy assistance by calling BGE or the Office of Home Energy Programs at (800) 352-1446, the utility says. Residents of Baltimore City should call (410) 396-5555. Grants can help address past-due amounts as well as future payments. Learn more at bge.com/financialassistance.