Frequently Asked Questions

Construction & Remodeling

If I am adding additional natural gas appliances to my home, will the existing gas service equipment meet increased demand?

If you are planning to install additional natural gas appliances at your home, BGE will need to determine whether the gas service pipe and meter that supply gas can meet the increased demand. BGE gas service pipes and meters are sized to handle standard applications—heating, domestic hot water, cooking and clothes drying. As explained in the gas service tariff, if an upgrade is required for standard applications for residences, BGE will provide whatever upgrades are needed except for the excess cost of on-site trenching through improved areas.

You will need to contact us to evaluate your gas service and meter capacity. To start the process, submit a service application or contact the BGE new business office at 1-800-233-1854. We will provide you with a report detailing whether an upgrade of BGE gas equipment is needed. If the gas service pipe and meter capacity cannot meet the increased demand of additional non-standard appliances, or if the installation is for a non-residential customer, a cost estimate will be provided for BGE to install the new gas service and meter, to be paid by the requesting customer. Make sure you consider this potential cost when evaluating adding non-standard gas equipment.

How do I initiate a job with BGE?

Visit our Construction & Remodeling section to request to install new gas/electric service, increase your electric service, or relocate your gas/electric service.

What happens after I submit the service application and the load information sheet(s)?

Your job will be assigned to a BGE Representative who will contact you about your project. You may have to supply additional information to ensure we are able to provide you with a standard level of service. A standard level of service includes:

One customer initiated job site visit for consultation
One cost estimate (the design and engineering cost will be included in the job)
One construction plan
One change to the construction plan

The BGE representative will provide you with a Service Request and/or Work Order number. The Work Order number is our primary mechanism for tracking the status of your project. Please refer to this number when making inquiries.

How much notice does BGE need to install an underground gas or electric service to my new house?

The entire process, which includes initiation, design, site readiness and construction, can take between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the scope of work, permitting requirements and weather conditions. For this reason, it is important to contact BGE by submitting a Service Application as early as possible in your planning process (e.g., permitting stage).

How do I upgrade or relocate my existing service?

Electric First, contact a licensed electrician. It will be necessary for your electrician to obtain an electrical permit for wiring changes to your equipment. Second, submit a Service Application to BGE with a drawing reflecting the new gas/electric location for the relocated service. Third, ensure your electrician contacts us to set up an appropriate order for changing your existing service. After your electrician has completed wiring changes, he will contact the electrical inspection department of your local jurisdiction for an inspection. When that inspection has been approved, the local jurisdictional inspection department will send us certification, which ensures your wiring meets code. Once we receive certification, BGE can complete your wiring connection at the meter. For safety precautions, we will require access to your panel box. Gas The same scenario applies when increasing/upgrading your gas service. Your first call would be to a licensed plumber who will obtain a permit with the plumbing inspection department.

Does BGE install underground telephone, outdoor lighting, and cable TV with their utilities?

Yes, we often do. BGE has agreements with many of these service providers. Just note your interest on your service application.

If I am developing a new townhouse community, what consideration should I give to BGE for service and metering?

You will need to pay close attention to BGE's Conditions of Supply and Location of Gas and Electric Meters, referenced in the BGE Metering Manual. These areas detail what responsibilities you have in allowing adequate room for our gas and electric equipment. A BGE representative will work closely with you to ensure that the area dedicated to BGE metering is clearly agreed upon by you and BGE. Please provide BGE with any architectural drawings that you may have as early as possible. Final design drawing must be signed and returned to BGE before work will begin.

What information is required to request service?

Full address (street number and name) of project location Company legal name (if applicable) Contact information Phone number(s) where the contact(s) can be reached Name of development and lot number (developers only) Type of service requested (gas, electric, new, relocation, temporary) Target completion date for service Copy of your site plans (minimum scale of 1' = 100')

How soon will BGE contact me?

A BGE representative will call you within approximately 10 days after we receive your service application.

What happens if the site is not ready for construction?

BGE will not begin construction until you have confirmed to our satisfaction that the site is ready for construction. If BGE determines the site is not ready for construction when the BGE construction crew arrives at the mutually agreed upon start date, you will be required to pay for any costs associated with this visit.