Who else dreads seeing their electric bill hit their mailbox or inbox? Well, nobody loves it, of course. With winter weather comes frightening prices. Now everyone is turning into their dads and saying, “Don’t touch the thermostat!”
But prices for consumers are much higher than usual. It’s not just because you cranked the temp all the way up to 68 degrees instead of 67.
According to The Baltimore Banner’s reporting, there are three rate increases: January 1, February 1, and March 1. The first is “for infrastructure improvements to the electrical grid and aging gas pipe infrastructure.” BGE itself states that they charge more because they want to offset costs of ‘Operation Pipeline,’ an effort to “replace cast iron and bare steel pipes with new, durable gas mains.” The second increase is “to recoup from overspending in 2023.” And the third is “from another PSC directive requiring BGE to shift supply-side increases from the peak seasons of winter and summer to the fall and spring, when usage decreases.”
In the past, some customers have lowered costs by switching their energy supplier (the company that generates the energy) to a third-party provider. But that’s up in the air right now. In 2024, the Maryland legislature passed Senate Bill 1, which, according to MD Electric Choice, was “an effort to strengthen oversight of this industry and provide greater protections for consumers.” Regulating a previously unregulated industry was meant to protect vulnerable communities, such as the poor and the elderly, from predatory practices. Whether third-party suppliers decide to come back remains to be seen.
However, there are still ways to save money. For smaller changes, start with a free home energy audit. Your power company will send someone out to inspect your home, identify areas that need updates, and install some energy-saving products, all for free. You can find sign-up forms online with BGE, Delmarva, and Pepco.
Other small ways to save include:
- Block gaps in doors and windows with caulk or weather stripping.
- Use cold water as much as possible: washing clothes, using the tap, and cold showers (again, I said as much as possible).
- Get power strips to easily turn off multiple devices and keep them from drawing power while off.
- Replace bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Install a smart thermostat.
- Clean dust off of fridge coils.
If you buy devices and appliances that are energy-efficient, such as Energy Star, you may be eligible for a rebate. Use Energy Star’s rebate finder to see if one of your appliances qualifies. And you can find even more energy efficiency tips at the Office of People’s Counsel website.
Some homes may need larger upgrades. If so, where should you start?
“The best investments currently for homeowners are siding, windows, and door[s],” says Jake Cross, owner of American Remodel. “For energy efficiency of the home and curb appeal.”
And more big changes include:
- Solar panels, including programs to help lower-income families with the up-front cost.
- Energy-efficient appliances, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, and more.
- Insulation updates, especially in the attic.
- To help pay for these projects, visit the Department of Housing and Community Development’s website for Energy Grants.
But if paying your bill is already a financial struggle, making these changes isn’t exactly realistic. For financial assistance, consider the following:
- See if you qualify for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program.
- Call Anne Arundel County’s Energy Assistance Relief number at (833) 888-0401.
- The county also has a list of organizations that provide emergency funds.
- And BGE has a Customer Relief Fund open now and closing when funds are depleted.
Keeping the lights on and the house warm are not luxuries, they’re essential to your livelihood. Use these suggestions to make those gas and electric bills just a little less painful. And stay informed about what’s happening in our area so you’ll be ready for the future.
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