By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Amid fluctuating utility costs and economic uncertainty, many households across the U.S. are struggling to manage bills and living expenses.
Officials from Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) say the rising costs stem from a variety of factors, including more frequent and extreme weather events, as well as rising energy supply fees due to growing demand that outpaces available supply.
According to a July Reuters report, the average electricity price in June was 6.7 percent higher than in June 2024.
In July, under the leadership of Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, and Tamla Olivier, president and CEO of BGE Home and Constellation Home, United Way and BGE partnered to create a temporary Customer Relief Fund. Central Maryland includes Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County.
The United Way of Central Maryland is a nonprofit based in the Greater Baltimore region, centered on strengthening families via initiatives in economic advancement, housing and more. BGE is a utility company providing natural gas and electricity to customers in Central Maryland and surrounding areas.
Baker and Olivier recently spoke with AFRO about how the initiative came together, its success and potential future assistance initiatives.
“The BGE Customer Relief Fund allowed us to provide immediate relief for BGE customers while we continue to work with state and local officials on long-term solutions to Maryland’s energy supply challenges,” said Olivier. “That work is vital but it will take time, and we’re proud to be doing more to support the most vulnerable members of our community in the here and now.”
During the 2025 Maryland General Assembly, legislators passed the Next Generation Energy Act, requiring utility companies to demonstrate “customer benefit” for large infrastructure investments and allocating $200 million in bill credits. The law went into effect May 20.
“The fund specifically supported active BGE customers who had a past-due balance of at least $250 that was 60 or more days overdue, and who met income thresholds of up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level,” said Baker.
United Way of Central Maryland administered the fund, reviewing applications on a first-come, first-served basis while prioritizing equity and efficiency. Customers received bill credits between $250 and $750, deposited directly into their BGE accounts.
Franklyn noted a strength of the program was their ability to connect people with a support network.
“Together with BGE, we linked participants to flexible payment arrangements, budget billing options and energy efficiency programs to help lower future costs,” said Baker. “We also referred families to state and federal programs like Maryland Department of Human Services’ OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs), Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program) and the Fuel Fund of Maryland.”
They also connected recipients with services and resources through United Way’s 211 Helpline, a cost-free and confidential service offering information, referrals and community resources, to create long-term stability.
The program launched July 1 and ended early September due to high demand, helping over 30,000 households across BGE’s service areas. It was made possible by a $15 million donation from Exelon, BGE’s parent company.
Though the BGE Customer Relief Fund was a one-time initiative, United Way said they will keep working in building partnerships that can respond to what’s happening in real time for families in Central Maryland.
For those in need of community assistance and resources, Baker recommended visiting United Way’s Central Maryland Resource Guide at uwcm.org/resourceguide or uwcm.org/your211. BGE customers should visit bge.com/heretohelp for other ways to manage their bill and access other energy assistance programs.