Launching our campaign for safer, cleaner, and more affordable energy

The escalating costs of gas

Last December, BGE won a $400 million rate hike driven in large part by the company’s “Operation Pipeline” to replace and upgrade gas pipes and equipment.

Maryland gas companies have made massive investments in gas pipes and equipment over the last decade, driving up gas delivery rates, some at 3 times the rate of inflation.

That’s why the average customer using BGE or Columbia Gas has seen their gas delivery charges double in the last 10 years, jumping from just under $500 to roughly $1,000 a year.

On Thursday a coalition of more than 30 public health, consumer, community, environmental justice, and climate advocates urged  Maryland utility regulators to open a proceeding to plan for the future of gas as with near-term priority actions and comprehensive, long-term strategic planning for Maryland’s gas companies.

“When you find yourself in a hole, you stop digging,” explained Maryland PIRG Foundation’s Emily Scarr. “We’re counting on utility regulators to put the shovel down and exercise their authority to require utilities to serve the public interest by providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy. We can only achieve that goal with proper planning and data driven decisions.”

The cost of inaction is clear: Maryland gas utilities are planning to spend $20 billion dollars of ratepayer money on infrastructure investments in the next 20 years. 

We simply can’t afford to spend billions of dollars on updating the entire gas system, especially when our state has other critical priorities that need funding. 

While downsizing our gas system won’t happen overnight, Marylanders are already choosing to make the switch away from gas because of the financial  benefits and the benefits for our health and planet.

By joining the 12 other states engaging in strategic gas system planning,  Maryland utility regulators can direct investments wisely in the projects that will lower energy bills, keep Marylandes safe, clean up our air, deliver more comfortable homes and reduce climate pollution from our buildings.

We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to get this right.