Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. is warning that consumer heating bills could go up because of the frigid temperatures outside.

The utility company said gas and electricity usage has been increasing for most consumers as the temperatures have hit below 32 degrees on a number of days. Those who use electric heat pumps could see usage more than double because of auxiliary heating activation when the temps drop below freezing. 

BGE also said it wasn't able to read some customers' meters during last month's record-breaking blizzard, so will give estimates and adjust for actual usage later.

To help with the higher costs, BGE recommends customers use budget billing - which spreads costs out over the year. Seriously cash-strapped customers can also contact the Office of Home Energy Programs for help paying their bills: 800-352-1446 or 410-396-5555.

Consumers can also cut energy usage by sealing gaps in windows, doors and duct work, BGE says.

(Photo: Kenneth Lam, The Baltimore Sun).

Posted by Andrea Walker at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Maryland's going to have more than $5.4 million to give away through the U.S. Department of Energy's energy-efficient appliances rebate program once it kicks off here in March 2010, according to the DOE and the Maryland Energy Administration.

Maryland proposed in its application to (updated) will offer a $300 rebate for purchases of ENERGY STAR electric heat pump water heaters, which the MEA's FAQ on the appliane rebates describes as "a new and very efficient piece of equipment" compared to traditional electric water heaters.

State residents would will also be able to get stimulus rebates of at least $25 $50 for super-efficient clothes washers and $25 for refrigerators ...

Continue reading "Maryland's Cash for Appliances rebate program to begin in March" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

BGE executives will be answering tough questions Thursday and Friday when they return to the Maryland Public Service Commission's hearing room to testify about their smart grid proposal.

The plan to install meters capable of real-time, two-way communication with the utility, slated to cost $800 million over nearly two decades, got a boost last month when the U.S. Department of Energy awarded BGE $200 million in stimulus grants.

BGE says that customers will save billions through operational efficiencies --- BGE will be able to manage its equipment more efficiently and won't need to send out meter readers --- as well as through better awareness of their energy consumption. If you knew how much your bill would cost you, that might prompt you to make energy efficient choices.

Their proposal is coupled with two new rate structures: a plan to give customers bill credits for using less energy from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the hottest summer afternoons --- known as critical peak days, when demand is highest and energy is most expensive --- as well as a "time of use" schedule, that would charge about 16.5 cents per kilowatt-hour from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on all summer weekday afternoons, and about 10 cents at all other times. 

There are a lot of issues for the commissioners to consider ...

Continue reading "Smart grid: is it right for BGE customers? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Low-income Marylanders having trouble paying utility bills, or who anticipate having trouble in the near future, should check out an Energy Assistance Expo this weekend in Baltimore to apply for aid.

Come to the Mini Conference Center on Baltimore City Community College's campus at 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 for more information about eligibility and to enroll in the program. You'll also get tips on conserving energy to keep your bills lower in the first place.

Maximum Monthly Gross Income per number of people in household

1: $1,579.37
2: $2,124.79
3: $2,670.20
4: $3,215.62
5: $3,761.04
6: $4,306.45

For every additional person, add $545.42.

Continue reading "Need help with your energy bills, Baltimore? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Sometimes you need to spend money to save money, like investing in energy-efficient changes that would lower heating costs. But if you're spending too much on energy bills you may never save enough to pay for cost-cutting improvements.

To combat this problem, Constellation Energy Group is donating $1 million over three years to replace old furnaces for low- or limited-income Baltimore residents, some of whom might not qualify for other state or federal aid.

City weatherization auditors who will be assessing the need for energy-efficient options such as water heater blankets, attic insulation and caulking and other weatherproofing for windows will determine who needs for a replacement paid for by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. Heating System Fund, city officials said.

Right now, only homeowners who earn no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level would qualify for the furnace replacement program. However, a spokeswoman for Baltimore's Department of Housing and Community Development said they are waiting for U.S. Department of Energy approval to expand the program to include people who make up to 60 percent of the median income for the Baltimore metro area. Right now HUD says the median is $82,100 for a family of four, so 60 percent would be $49,260.

For more information about the program, including what kind of information applicants will need to provide, check out the Weatherization Assistance Program page at baltimorehousing.org.

Don't forget that energy assistance is also available to help Marylanders who meet income eligibility standards pay their utility bills. Here's the breakdown for this year, according to the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs:

Continue reading "BGE Heating System Fund: more details" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. has enhanced its "online energy calculator," a tool that consumers can use to review their energy usage and then get tips for improving energy efficiency.

Customers enter their account number and the calculator will use gas and electric consumption data from billing records and compare the information to similar homes similar in the service area. The calculator will also factor in weather, days of service, and other information in generating the reports.

The calculator is part of a "Winter Ready" campaign the utility company is promoting for the cold season.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

BGE said today that it is offering "Quick Home Energy Check-Ups" to help people learn how to reduce energy usage in their homes and hopefully cut the cost of their bill.

During the "check-up," which lasts about an hour, an analyst will look at insulation levels, air tightness, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors, and lighting and appliances. The customer will then get a checklist of the findings, including recommendations for reducing energy costs.

There is a $40 fee, but it will be waived if customers agree to install three of the following energy saving measures: six compact flourescent light bulbs, two faucet aerators, efficient-flow showerhead, pipe insulation on water heater pipes, or a water heater tank wrap. If a home doesn't require one of the energy saving measure then an additional four CFL light bulbs can be installed instead.

Sign up for a check-up at http://www.bgesmartenergy.com/ or call 877-685-SESP.

Posted by Andrea Walker at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Baltimore Gas & Electric wants all its customers to have "smart meters", which they say will help people save by telling them how much energy they're using on a hour-by-hour basis. Under their plan, people would earn rebates by conserving energy on critical peak period days --- days of highest energy demand. And BGE would save through automated meter reading and automated disconnection/reconnection of service.

The Maryland Public Service Commission has the final say in the $500 million proposal, which BGE predicts will save the company millions and consumers billions. BGE has requested to speed up the review process, which the company feels would helps its application for federal stimulus grants for smart grid investments. That money is to be awarded in October. Check out the BGE proposal submitted to the PSC here.

AARP Maryland and the state Office of the People's Counsel, which advocates for consumers, feel that a full hearing with sworn witnesses and on-the-record testimony by experts would better serve Maryland residents. They want time to vet the savings claims that BGE has made. And AARP worries that proposals to charge higher rates for peak use in the summer would adversely affect sensitive populations such as seniors, as Jay Hancock explains over at his blog.

How much could you really save?

Annapolis resident Shirley Norlem, a retiree who volunteered for BGE's "smart meter" pilot last summer, said she saved about $15 for each critical peak period last year (about 12 total). She would turn off appliances and unplug chargers when she knew the peak period was coming. Then Norlem would check the meter right before 2 p.m. and after 7 p.m. to see what she used. BGE would also send her letters and emails detailing her savings.

“I think if you’re going to offer money for what they save, then people will do it,” Norlem told me. “You can enlist the children and make it a game for them.”

But will other Maryland residents like Norlem?

Continue reading "Smart meters: will they convince people to save energy" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

WhiteFence, a comparison shopping Web site where consumers can sign up for services, released a survey today stating Baltimore had the highest average utility bill among 21 major metropolitan areas. Utility bills included phones, Internet, television as well as electricy and natural gas.

But BGE says the survey is flawed. Here's the company's reponse from Wayne Harbaugh, vice president of BGE Pricing and Regulatory Services:

"The WhiteFence Index has some serious deficiencies, including some just plain incorrect information and some very misleading data. For instance, it states that the average home electric bill in New York City is $53 a month, while the average electric bill in Baltimore is $182 per month. In fact, ConEd, which serves New York City, has some of the highest electric prices in the country. According to the latest Edison Electric Institute’s Semi-Annual Bill Comparison, a 1,000 kWh residential bill in New York is $219.98, while the same bill for 1,000 kWh in Baltimore is $154.96. New York’s electric rates are more than 40% higher than in Baltimore -- not considerably lower, as this index would imply.

"There are also problems with the index’s comparison of natural gas costs. For example, WhiteFence states that the average natural gas bill in New York City is only $16/month vs. $29/month in Baltimore. For those of us in Baltimore, this would seem to be a real bargain. Digging a little deeper into the facts, one would find that much of the residential heating use in New York City is provided by a large central steam system. In most NY City homes, natural gas is only used for cooking and the occasional gas fireplace, while in Baltimore most of the homes are also heated by natural gas.

"Natural gas prices in Baltimore are lower than in New York City, but since New York City residents have very low gas usage (little or no heating), their bills appear to be lower in the WhiteFence comparison.

"WhiteFence has a serious omission in their index in that they do not include the costs of steam, nor do they include oil bills. Since heating and air conditioning usage represents over 50% of the energy usage in a home, cities where a large proportion of the heating requirements are supplied by either steam or oil are artificially advantaged in this poorly constructed index.

"This fact is irrefutable: BGE’s rates are the same or lower than other utilities in Maryland, and are in the middle of the pack when compared with utilities throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast."

What do readers think? 

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

New figures from WhiteFence.com show that Baltimore residents pay the highest utility bills in the country.

Like we didn’t already know that, or at least had a strong feeling we dished out a lot of money for utilities.

WhiteFence, a site that allows you to comparison shop for home services, reports that in June the average utility bill for Baltimore was $353.93. Utilities include electricity, natural gas, phone, Internet and television).

The national average was $263.83.

Our closest competitor was Houston, where residents there paid an average $335.91.

Even cities noted for not being cheap fared better than us. New Yorkers paid an average of $197.07; Angelenos paid $184.25.

And if you look at the average bills for the past six months, Baltimore still ranks No. 1 at an average of $362.01. The national six-month average was $286.27.

Do you believe these figures that Baltimore residents pay the highest utility bills?

UPDATE:  Some readers, including Constellation Energy, question the validity of this survey.  One reader points out that not every place in the nation was surveyed. And, indeed, 21 major areas were in the survey. Also, WhiteFence gets its data on phone, Internet and TV from consumers placing orders on WhiteFence, so it leaves out others who order services elsewhere.

WhiteFence also published its methodology:

"The data available in the WhiteFence Index is derived from the hundreds of thousands of orders that are placed on any one of WhiteFence's Web sites each month for television, phone and high-speed Internet. We are then able to determine popular packages and plans that customers order each day. WhiteFence can also determine the average cost for these communications products based on what our customer base orders through any one of our hundreds of Web sites.

The method for getting the averages for electricity and natural gas differs from the communication categories. As the majority of the United States electricity and natural gas service is regulated, these rates are general public knowledge — but not always the easiest information to find. Due to our widespread relationships with service providers and our knowledge of the energy industry, WhiteFence has been able to get the actual price for each city published in the WhiteFence Index. The price for electricity or gas is based on a unit of measurement either a kWh for electricity or a therm for natural gas. Extensive research was done to ensure that we had accurate usage history for each area in the Index for electricity and natural gas by month. This can vary if you use more or less than the average for your area, what season it may be as well as if you use only electricity or a combination of gas and electric."

UPDATED AGAIN: Check out what BGE had to say about WhiteFence's survey of utility prices. 

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (62)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Baltimore Gas & Electric has proposed switching all its customers to "smart grid" technology -- particularly advanced meters that provide frequently updated information about energy consumption -- that the company says will encourage them to conserve when it matters most, at peak times when we're paying the most.

Company officials said the initiative could result in demand reductions of 500 megawatts --- the amount of electricity generated by a new power plant, without having to pay to build it (or fuel it). 

The program has a hefty price tag: $500 million, to be funded through bill surcharges that start at 38 cents for electric customers and 44 cents per month in the first year. These are expected to increase to an average of $1.24 and $1.52 respectively over the five-year program --- or perhaps less, if BGE receives federal stimulus grants for smart grid technology of up to $200 million for smart grid technology. 

They submitted the initiative to the Maryland Public Service Commission on Monday, which will ultimately decide whether to give it a green light.

The Sun's business columnist Jay Hancock said the smart grid proposal will be worth it if it works out as planned -- with federal stimulus grants, and if the savings pans out.

And, he points out, the smart metering pricing could have been set up so that people who continue to use energy during peak periods pay more. Instead, they set up incentives: rebates to reward those who cut back at critical times, instead of penalties.

Still, consumer advocates such as the Office of the People's Counsel want to be able to carefully vet the terms of any potential deals before they are on the hook for the price of this program. They want to know why it has to be rolled out so quickly, instead of just installing the "smart" meters as the existing ones grow obsolete. There are also concerns about smart grid security. And they're just working out the standards for these smart grid devices now.

Most importantly, they question whether the actual savings will match the predictions.

How does BGE say the initiative would work? 

Continue reading "BGE's Smart Grid plan: what do you think? " »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

Whoa, summer temperatures are definitely here. A few simple steps will help keep your air conditioner working at its peak so you can keep cool without sweating too much over your bills.

Consumer Reports recommends washing the filter (dry it thoroughly before using!) of room air conditioners, vacuuming the coils inside and out and checking the seals. They also advise against "short-cycling" --- turning the AC back on within 10 minutes of turning it off.

They recommend calling in professionals for maintaining central AC systems, though.

Also, let's be reasonable with the thermostat ...

Continue reading "Cool tips for air conditioner care" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

Well, the time has come. Utilities such as Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pepco and Delmarva Power have plan to shut off customers who have outstanding balances. Others such as Allegheny Power and Washington Gas Light have already begun.

The terminations come, utility company representatives say, after weeks of trying to contact customers through letters to negotiate payment plans to avoid termination, as directed by the Maryland Public Service Commission in April.

Theresa Czarski of the Office of the People's Counsel, which advocates for consumers, said she and other members of a work group planning implementation of the payment plans urged utilities to indicate on the outside of the envelopes so consumers would understand that these letters were more than just another overdue bill notice.

If you or someone you know is in danger of having their service cut off, don't ignore the payment requests --- call the company. You can get an extension and you can work out a payment plan. The weather's already gotten way hotter.

Here are some sources if you need assistance to pay your energy bills:

Continue reading "Utilities to start turning off service for past-due bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

Add this one to the list of shrinking products: apparently propane tanks now contain less fuel although the tanks themselves remain the same size -- and the same price, according to the Associated Press.

Yes, that's right: if you're planning to buy propane to grill some meat, fish or vegetables this weekend, take a closer look at the labeling on the tank.

 Apparently ...

Continue reading "Propane grill masters fired up about less fuel in their tanks" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Food, Gas prices
        

At least one factor that led to recent skyrocketing electric bills will be eased next winter.

The Maryland Public Service Commission announced yesterday that electricity rates will be lower for next winter, based on wholesale prices from an auction this week.

Of course, that news comes with a caveat:

Continue reading "Lower electric rates for next winter" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

Improve your home's energy efficiency and save money with tax rebates and credits while feeling more comfortable, too.

Sun columnist Jacques Kelly invested $260 in a home energy audit and spent about $3,000 in improvements to shave $75 off his monthly energy bill.

But he and others who invest in their homes could enjoy tax rebates and credits on home improvements like new windows or doors, which Consumerworld.org reminds us about. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act, homeowners are eligible for tax credits for up to 30 percent of the cost of insulation, efficient hot water heaters and more. The maximum for these improvements is $1,500 for purchases between Feb. 17, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2010. 

With construction slow, it might be a good opportunity to negotiate with contractors for this kind of work.

Plus, Jacques says he gains something else that's just as important as saving money: "I might also have a more comfortable home," he wrote. 

UPDATED: Check out more info on energy-efficiency improvements and tax benefits in Jay Hancock's column.

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

Need help paying your utility bills? Consider stopping by the Energy Assistance Expo in Laurel tomorrow. Here are the details:

The Community Action Agency will hold an Energy Assistance Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Resurrection of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 8402 Brock Bridge Road, Laurel.

Low-income residents in need of help paying their gas and electric bill can apply for assistance at the expo. Aid is available to households with a monthly income ranging from $1,516.65 for a single resident to $4,141.65 for a family of six.

Applicants need to take photo identification, proof of residence, copies of Social Security cards for all family members, income verification, name and account of their utility supplier and last bill.

Information: 410-265-4103.

If Laurel is too far to travel ...

Continue reading "Energy assistance expo in Laurel Thursday" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 4:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Energy/Utilities
        

Ford Motor Co. has joined the list of companies trying to encourage spending by covering car payments if you lose your job, the Associated Press reports. And General Motors may soon offer a similar deal.

According to the AP story, Ford will cover payments of up to $700 each month for up to a year on new Fords, Lincolns or Mercurys after a job loss, through June 1.

In January, Hyundai started a program allowed drivers to return vehicles within a year if they could no longer make payments due to job loss or disability, the AP story states.  The "Assurance Plus" program now will cover your payments for three months, according to the Web site, and after that you can still bring the car back.

Then JetBlue got on the bandwagon, making its own announcement last month.

Continue reading "Businesses cover, refund your payments if you lose your job" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Cars, Economy, Energy/Utilities
        

Home energy audits can help homeowners identify improvments that could shave their utility bills and use fewer resources, according to Scott Calvert's story today.

I've been talking with Dan Holohan of heatinghelp.com, a site where consumers and contractors discuss heating issues. He says there's a lot of "low-hanging fruit" amid the housing stock in the Baltimore area --- opportunities where some changes could result in big returns.

Unfortunately, however ...

Continue reading "Home energy audits: spend to save big on utility bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

RegW had a great question last week about estimated versus actual electric meter readings:  

"... I'm far more inclined to believe that BGE is estimating meter readings instead of actually reading them, and that the estimates are in BGE's favor rather than the customers'. Can someone explain to me how the meter reading is carried out these days? I can't remember a single time in the past 5 years that I've actually seen someone from BGE reading a meter ...

Do they carry out these readings under the cloak of night? Or are they conducted remotely via ESP? Is the process completely automated these days, and therefore doesn't require a BGE employee to come out and actually read people's meters?"

He guessed partially right ...

Continue reading "Estimated versus actual electric meter readings" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

So many people are struggling with utility bills, and have been for so long, that 84,000 Marylanders are at risk of having their electric and gas services cut off once winter restrictions are lifted on April 1, Laura Smitherman reports.

April 1 is the key date, because ...

Utilities can halt service when a customer's balance exceeds $200 for electricity or natural gas, or $300 for both; and when the total due is greater than the deposit. Rules are more lenient for low-income customers who apply for aid, the elderly and those on life support.

State regulations impose further restrictions on utilities during cold weather months for safety reasons. From Nov. 1 to April 1, service terminations are limited when the weather forecast does not exceed 32 degrees for 24 hours. Utilities also must file affidavits confirming that they made personal contact with customers before shutting them off and explaining the reason for doing so.

Now, a number of factors are affecting our bills this winter, including the colder temperatures. While everyone's situation is different, here are a couple of ideas to try to minimize your bills while staying warm:

Continue reading "84,000 people could have their electricity shut off" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Budgeting, Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Gas prices, Home/Real Estate
        

Lots of people are trying to save money on home heating bills and lower energy costs, so for this Consumer Web Site of the Week, let's reprise an oldie but a goodie: Energystar.gov's Home Energy Yardstick, which we told you about last year along with energy-saving tips for renters. 

The site asks you to enter information about your home and your utility bills to find ways to make it more energy efficient. And with $1,500 worth of tax credits for energy-efficiency improvements in the stimulus package, this may be the year to take advantage. 

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Consumer Web Site of the Week, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

Consumers continue to wonder why their utility bills are shooting up, in some cases doubling and tripling despite efforts to cut back. So many have complained to the state Public Service Commission that it is reviewing data from each company. A hearing will be held Thursday.

Check out the written responses from the companies on the state Public Service Commission Web site. Here's information from the commission about filing a complaint about high utility bills, including how to request an independent test of your meter (known as a "referee" test").

Representatives from the utilities say that people are using more electricity and gas due to the unusually cold weather and more days at home over the holidays. A longer billing cycle and higher winter rates also contributed to larger bills, they say.

What could you do to lower your energy usage?

Continue reading "Skyrocketing utility bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities, Greenies
        

Constellation Energy, Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.'s parent, announced plans this week to request an increase in BGE's distribution rates for gas and electricity for 2010 as complaints about skyrocketing utility bills continue to pour in, leading state legislators and consumer advocates to call for reregulation of energy markets in Maryland.

According to statehouse reporter Laura Smitherman's story:

"Constellation has not said how much of a rate increase it is seeking, but any increase to the electricity delivery charge is capped at 5 percent under a deal with state regulators. It would be the first delivery rate increase for electricity since 1993 and for natural gas since 2005, according to the company."

Business reporter and columnist Hanah Cho explains it further: 

Continue reading "Complaints about utility bills up, energy distribution rates to follow?" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Energy/Utilities
        

Marylanders are shocked by their gas and utility bills, and they're complaining to the state's Public Service Commission about it.

The commission was already looking into why so many ratepayers statewide have overdue bills, but they have expanded the inquiry this week to determine why so many people's electric bills have skyrocketed.

It's not the rates themselves --- the increases that went into place June 1 would not lead to the doubling and tripling of bills that ratepayers are seeing, said Paula Carmody, the People's Counsel, a consumer advocate.

It's also unlikely that electric meters have failed across the board, although you should talk to the company if you think there's a problem.

But the winter is probably on track to be normal or even colder than normal, compared with the past two warmer-than-usual cold seasons, she said. That could lead to increased usage.

According to our story:

"We do believe that for the most part it's a matter of usage," said Clay Anderson, a spokesman for Pepco. "You're going to have an increase ... with colder temperatures."

BGE told Sun business columnist Jay Hancock last month that:

"This winter, temperatures are 8 percent lower than normal, BGE says. That translates into as much as 10 percent more kilowatts burned - or higher if you have a heat pump or baseboard heaters."

Here's the other factor --- advance electricity purchases locked in at the summer's higher rates:

"At the same time ... BGE locked up its supply in advance, before prices dipped. While not purchasing at the peak in June and July, it still bought above today's depressed levels.

Likewise, BGE bought much of this winter's natural gas last summer, during the boom.

So neither natural gas nor electricity customers have yet benefited from the crash in energy prices. The wholesale cost of both decatherms and kilowatts has fallen by 40 percent or more from last summer's highs, mimicking the price of gasoline." 

By Feb. 20, the utilities must provide the PSC with answers to the following questions:

Continue reading "PSC to review higher-than-usual electric and gas bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 7:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Energy/Utilities
        

You'd better pay your electric bills before you deck the halls --- in Thurmont, at least.

A commissioner in this Frederick County town is threatening to publicly expose utility customers who put up Christmas lights even though their electricity bills are past due, according to this WHAG-TV news report discovered via Consumer Reports.

The story states that the city is responsible for the unpaid bills --- which amount to thousands of dollars in an already tight fiscal time --- so the holiday light displays are just a slap in the face.

Folks whose accounts are in the red are not allowed to participate in the town's annual decorating contest. But town officials say they won't publish names in the paper until January 1.

Posted by Liz Kay at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Energy/Utilities, Odds & Ends
        

Help may be available if you're having trouble paying your energy bills this winter --- even before you've received a turn-off notice.

Apply to the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, which received more than three times the federal money it was allocated during the last fiscal year.

The Office of Home Energy Programs began distributing its $110 million appropriation last month and hopes to reach an additional 10,000 households --- more than 102,000.

However, state Department of Human Resources officials estimate that that's only about a third of the people who are eligible. 

For more information, call 1-800-352-1446. Another resource for help with this and other issues: www.problemsolver.maryland.gov. 

Income eligibility limits below the jump.

(photo: Jed Kirschbaum/Baltimore Sun)

Continue reading "Apply for energy assistance for help paying heat and electric bills" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Budgeting, Energy/Utilities
        

We all know electricity prices are already putting a big dent in our pockets. We know that natural gas prices will rise by 10 to 30 percent this winter. Factor in a bad economy and that could cause many people to decide between heating their home or buying food, medicine or what have you.

Well, if you think you might get squeezed this winter, avail yourself of some assistance that might be available to you out there.

Today, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., BGE is holding an Energy Assistance Expo at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Edgewater to assist qualifying customers to apply for grants through the Office of Home Energy Programs. Click the jump for details.

Continue reading "BGE Hosts Energy Assistance Expo In Anne Arundel County" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 6:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Budgeting, Energy/Utilities