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BGE Shares Energy Assistance Resources

Posted on: November 7, 2023 - 1:34pm
BGE Exelon logo.

With winter just around the corner, BGE is helping customers who may be challenged by winter energy costs. Assistance is available for BGE customers, including those with limited household incomes who need help in paying their energy bills.

For your information, we have included links to several helpful resources for customers:

  • bge.com/BillHelp. BGE works closely with customers to offer flexible payment arrangements and direct customers to energy assistance resources. The key is contacting BGE as soon as possible. BGE encourages customers not to wait until they are in crisis to ask for help but rather to contact their local Office of Home Energy Programs online or by calling 1-800-332-6347 to learn about programs available to them.
  • BGEnow, BGE’s content hub which features information and tips on saving energy and money, even on the coldest days.
  • BGE's 2023-2024 Community Resource Guide which is a collection of resources and information about assistance programs of all kinds – federal, state, and local, as well as programs from BGE and non-profit providers. Click here for a Spanish language version of this resource.
  • The BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® website at bgesmartenergy.com lists the energy efficiency and conservation programs available to BGE customers.

During the colder months, heating systems typically account for more than 40% of customers’ energy bills because extreme weather triggers significant increases in energy use at home. Even when the thermostat is kept at the same temperature, heating units work harder to maintain the set temperature. Without taking steps to save energy during these times, energy bills will reflect additional usage and will likely be higher than in months when temperatures are more moderate. BGE encourages customers to practice these simple steps:

  • Maintain Your Heating Systems and Gas and Electric Appliances – Most of your cold weather energy expenses are related to heating your home. Schedule service for your heating system to find out what maintenance is required to keep your system operating safely and efficiently. Use only licensed appliance technicians and plumbers to inspect and service natural gas appliances such as stoves, water heaters, furnaces, dryers, gas fireplaces and other gas equipment. Home electric equipment and wiring should also be routinely inspected and maintained by licensed electricians and appliance technicians.
  • Lower Your Water Heating Costs – Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) and save.
  • Manage your thermostat – Keep thermostats set at a comfortable level. You can save about two percent on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. When you are asleep or out of the house, try turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours to save approximately 10 percent on your heating bill. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can connect to your mobile devices, helping you stay on top of your energy usage.
  • My Account Online Tools – Your BGE online account contains tools and detailed energy usage information. By viewing your energy usage right after you use it, comparing usage trends, and discovering the results of energy-saving practices, you can manage your energy more efficiently. Log onto bge.com/MyAccount to get started.
  • Budget Billing Options - Customers may also consider BGE’s Budget Billing program, which evens out payments over a 12-month period so customers are not as affected by increases in usage triggered by extreme weather conditions.
  • Sign up for High Usage Alerts - Receive a notification by text, email, phone, or mobile app alerts (To receive mobile app alerts, sign up through the BGE mobile app)  if your energy usage is trending higher than usual so you can take steps to reduce your use before your bill arrives. You can also set a budget threshold to alert you when your bill is projected to be higher than a specific amount each month. Login to My Account bge.com/MyNotifications.

We hope that you find this information helpful.