When applying for or to transfer Utility service
When applying for or transferring service, make sure you have the following information handy:
- Social Security Number
- Driver's License Number
- Current Employer
- Employer Phone Number
- Prior Address (if applicable)
- Home Phone Number
- Work Number and extension
To Begin Utility Service
To start service, please call 410-685-0123 or 800-685-0123. At the prompt, press 4. Your call will be transferred to the next available representative. Hearing-Impaired Customers using a TTY/TDD, please call 1-800-735-2258.
BGE will accept either a written or verbal application for gas and/or electric service. Up to two people in a dwelling may be listed on the account. If your name appears on the account, you are responsible for bill payment, not someone else.
To Transfer or Discontinue Utility Service
As with starting service, we will accept either written or verbal contact to transfer or stop service. Regardless of whether you have multiple services or just one service billing, it is important to contact BGE to ensure billing is stopped at the appropriate time. This is important because you are responsible and will be billed for all service at your present address until you notify us.
Service Application Charge
Your service application charge is a non-refundable fee that covers initial administrative start-up costs and is assessed when service is started or transferred.
Residential Customer
You will be charged $20 if the meter is already on the premise or $40 if a gas or electric meter has to be installed. If both gas and electric meters need to be installed, you will be charged $45.
Small Commercial Meter
If the meter is already on the premise:
- Gas only = $30
- Electric only = $25
- Combo = $40
If a new meter needs to be installed, you will be charged as follows:
- Gas only = $55
- Electric only = $50
- Combo = $70
Security Deposits
In some cases, we require a security deposit to open or maintain an account. For homeowners, your security deposit plus earned interest is refunded to you one year after the full deposit payment is received, providing you have paid 10 out of 12 bills on time. For business customers, deposits are held for four years after the deposit is paid in full. After the deposit is paid in full, it earns simple interest at the rate prescribed by the Maryland Public Service Commission. BGE never requires a deposit based on a customer's neighborhood, race, gender, creed, age or national origin.
If service was denied for nonpayment during the last 12 months of prior service, payment of a security deposit will be required in order to reestablish service. If the quoted deposit is $50 or less, that amount must be paid at the time service is started. If the deposit exceeds $50, the greater of $50 or one-third of the deposit must be paid by the date your service is started. You can request up to eight weeks to pay a deposit between $50 and $150 or up to twelve weeks for deposits over $150.
Automatic Change Name
If you own rental properties, you might want to consider participating in our Automatic Change Name Program. By simply completing a form, you can be assured that service at your property will remain on, in your name, and available for renovating or display purposes.
