Customer bills will increase effective with usage starting on Feb. 1, 2022 and as authorized by the Maryland Public Service Commission will be partially reduced by certain tax benefits. With the rate adjustment and offsets approved by the PSC, the average residential electric bill will increase by $3.28 per month and the average residential natural gas bill will increase by $2.40 per month. See bge.com/myp for details.
Large trees and branches can cause extended power outages when they interfere with overhead power lines. While BGE has an extensive maintenance program in place which helps keep lines clear for distribution lines and transmission rights of way, we understand there may still be a need for further assistance. Options for tree trimming near service wires or between poles on or near your property are explained below. Safety: Do not climb trees or trim trees that are located near power lines without taking necessary precautions first. It is important for an individual or the equipment used by an individual to maintain a minimum of 10 feet of clearance from energized lines. Hiring a qualified licensed contractor who is familiar with the safety requirements is a safer alternative. Always keep children away from trees that are near power lines. Even momentary contact with a power line, or a tree or branch that is in contact with a power line, can severely injure or kill. Contact BGE for further assistance.
BGE does not perform tree trimming by request for the wire running directly to customers' meters (the service wire). If you hire a contractor, or plan to do any trimming on your own, BGE will either drop or de-energize your service wire and will re-connect it once trimming is complete, please see Request a Planned Outage below. Your home will be without power until your service line is re-connected. There is no charge for this service.
Several options are available for trees that are near power lines between utility poles located on your property.
BGE's qualified line clearance tree trimmers can provide clearance around primary and secondary lines so that a private contractor can safely trim or remove the rest of your tree. Please contact us to get more information about this service.
BGE will, in certain cases, stop the electricity flowing through the power lines near the tree(s) in question, allowing a private contractor to work around de-energized lines. Please contact BGE at 800-685-0123 and request a planned outage to see if this is an option for you. There is no charge for this inquiry or for de-energizing the lines if agreed upon by BGE.