BGE defends Baltimore Peninsula project as watchdog raises concerns

BALTIMORE, MD (WBFF) — Maryland’s consumer watchdog is urging regulators to look into BGE’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure plans for the Baltimore Peninsula, arguing customers could be forced to pay for development that has not materialized. The utility says the projects are critical to reliability and long-term growth.

In a filing Tuesday with the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) said BGE’s transmission and distribution projects were based on growth that has not materialized and now lack sufficient scrutiny.

“Customers face paying billions of dollars in their utility bills over the coming decades for all the costs related to BGE’s Baltimore Peninsula investment plans,” People’s Counsel David S. Lapp said. He said BGE has not identified sufficient customer growth to justify the level of spending.

BGE sharply disputed that characterization. Nick Alexopulos, the company’s senior communications manager, said the investments are needed to ensure reliable service for existing customers and to prepare for future electrification and economic expansion.

Read the full story on the Baltimore Sun.