How do I set up an online My Account profile?
How do I change the name on my BGE Account?
How do I update my email or phone number?
I just applied for new service, but I am unable to set up a My Account profile.
Users can only create a My Account online profile after their account number has been generated. This typically takes 48 hours after start service and you will receive an email from BGE with your account number in it.
Can Commercial customers register for My Account?
Yes. Businesses can register for a My Account at BGE.com/Register.
Having trouble signing in?
Please contact 1-800-685-0123 or submit a comment and we will be happy to assist. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Please make sure you have Adobe Reader version 6.0.1 or newer. Please refer to the Adobe website for more information.
If you have Adobe Reader 8.0 you may experience printed output pages with missing or no data. There are three possible workarounds for this problem:
What are BGE.com's Supported Browsers?
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Where can I find more information about BGE and their services?
You can find more information about BGE and their services in the About Us section of BGE.com or our annual Consumer Reference Guides
If I forget my login credentials, will I still be able to reset them with Two-Step Verification?
Yes. Through the Forgot email or Forgot password links on the sign-in page, you can recover your account information and log in to your My Account.
How can I turn off Two-Step Verification?
You can turn off Two-Step Verification by going to My Account Profile and disabling Two-Step Verification in the My Security section.
You will be prompted to enable Two-Step Verification when logging in to My Account. You can also enable Two-Step Verification by going to My Account Profile and enabling Two-Step Verification in the My Security section.
BGE is committed to keeping your information safe. We recommend signing up for Two-Step Verification as an added layer of security for your My Account.
Two-Step Verification is optional. If you choose not to enable Two-Step Verification now, you can enable it any time in the future.
Two-Step Verification requires a second verification method to be used in addition to a password when logging in. That second method can be a six-digit verification code sent via SMS text or email. You can also request a phone call and press pound. One of the three is required to log in.
Two-Step Verification is an added level of security to help keep your My Account secure.
How do I notify BGE if I filed for Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy information is available on our website
How do I set up automated payments?
ePay is a quick and secure way to pay your bill through your BGE.com online account. Our online payment system offers you 24-7 access to:
When you login for the first time, you will land on the 'My Bill & Usage' page and see an Autopay button with a small PLUS sign(+). Click on the button to start the AutoPay sign-up session.
(https://www.bge.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/OtherWaystoPay.aspx)
Can I pay my bill online?
You can sign up for automatic bill pay or sign in each month to pay bills or view your account. A BGE online account allows you to update notification methods, retrieve bill history, get savings tips and more.
(http://www.bge.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/PayMyBill.aspx)
How do I set up a payment arrangement?
If you have a past-due balance with BGE because of financial difficulties, you may want to consider a payment plan. This will allow you to make installment payments to bring your account up-to-date, in addition to paying each current month’s charges. BGE offers the Personal Payment Plan for qualified customers.
To qualify for the Personal Payment Plan, you must have:
These amounts must be paid in full.
If at any time you do not pay the installment, plus your current month’s charges, you will be in default on the plan, you will be charged all remaining past-due amounts, and you could be subject to collection actions. With the Personal Payment Plan you would pay a minimum of one quarter of the total "Amount Due" on your most recent bill in addition to each current month’s bill. You then pay the remaining balance in installments of 1-9 months, whatever you prefer.
Remember: Your payment plan will consist of the down payment, monthly installment amount (a fraction of your remaining past-due amount), and charges for each current month’s BGE service, which must be paid in full. If at any time you do not pay the installment, plus your current month’s charges, you will be in default on the plan and you could be subject to collection actions.
Important Notice: If you are approved for a payment plan, you must pay your down payment by the due date in the confirmation notice. If you fail to pay the down payment, you will be in default of this plan, subject to collection actions, and may not be eligible for any further payment plans for up to 18 months.
Note: If you think you may be eligible for state energy assistance and have not applied since July, visit BGE’s Financial & Billing Assistance page to learn about sources of help.
If you would like to enter into a Personal Payment Plan, please fill out our enrollment form.
(https://www.bge.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/Personal-Payment-Plan.aspx)
How can I get help paying my bill?
BGE offers programs and services to help those in need, including energy assistance, help for customers with special needs, and ways for neighbors to help neighbors. Click here for more information.
(https://www.bge.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/AssistancePrograms.aspx)
What is budget billing and how do sign up?
Budget Billing spreads out your utility payments evenly throughout the year, so you will know what to expect each month.
Under this payment plan, BGE calculates your budget bill amount by averaging your 12 most recent gas and electric bills plus any accumulated imbalance amount.
To sign up for Budget Billing, log in to your BGE.com account (https://www.bge.com/pages/secureredirect.aspx?destination=/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/pages/secure/BudgetBilling.aspx)
Can I get an extension on my bill?
In order to be eligible for an extension, a customer must be in good standing and current on their BGE bills at the time of the request. BGE cannot permanently change a customer's billing date since it is dependent on the timing of their meter reading. A due date extension request can be made again 90 days after the initial request as long as the customer has paid the bill by the extension date.
To request a due date extension online, login to BGE.com/MyAccount. If you're eligible for an extension, the button will be visible and clickable. Follow the prompts to complete the request. You can also request an extension by following the customer self-serve options when calling the BGE contact center.
From (https://www.bge.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/DueDateExtension.aspx)
What are the credit card fees?
What is the maximum amount for an ACH Payment?
$100,000.
What type of credit cards are accepted?
All credit cards will be accepted for both residential and commercial customers.
What is the maximum amount for a credit card?
$5,000.
What is payment frequency?
Customers can continue to make up to five payments in one day and up to seven during a week.
Can customers still walk into a payment location?
Yes. Walk-in locations can be found on the Find a Payment Location page on BGE.com, and include Western Union and America’s Cash Express store front retailers.
Can I speak to a Paymentus Representative?
Yes. You can reach a Paymentus representative by calling 1-833-209-5245.
Why do you require a deposit on my account?
In some cases, we require a security deposit to open or maintain an account. For residential service, the deposit requirement is based on previous payment history or Equifax credit rating. For more information on BGE's deposit policy for Residential customers, please visit our Residential Consumer Reference Booklet.
For Non-residential service, a deposit is required for first-time customers. The deposit requirement for previous or existing customers is based on prior payment history. For more information about BGE's deposit policy for Business customers, please visit our Business Consumer Reference Booklet.
How long do you keep my deposit?
For residential accounts, the security deposit plus earned interest is applied to the balance of your account one year after the deposit is paid in full provided:
If the deposit is not applied or refunded after one year, it is reviewed for refund eligibility every 12 months thereafter.
Non-residential deposits are based on the maximum estimated usage for service for two consecutive billing periods or 90 days, and may be paid in 2 installments, if requested. Deposits plus interest are reviewed for refund after four years from the date paid in full.
Can I pay the deposit in installments?
Please contact us at 1.800.685.0123 to discuss available deposit installment options on your account. For residential 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. Customers can request up to eight weeks to pay a deposit between $50 and $150 or up to 12 weeks for deposits over $150. Account payments are first applied against application and deposit charges, then to service and/or other amounts owed.
Non-residential deposits may be paid in 2 installments, if requested.
Do I receive interest on the deposit?
Deposits earn simple interest from the date paid in full, the rate of which is determined by the average of the one year Treasury bills for September, October, and November of the previous year. This rate is adjusted January 1 of each year.
For non-residential customers, BGE recalculates the deposit interest rate every year based on the yield on 12-month Treasury Bills during the months of September through November of the previous year.
Do I receive the deposit back if I discontinue service?
Yes. After your final bill is processed, your deposit plus interest is applied to your final bill. If this creates a credit on your account, the refund check will automatically be generated and sent to the mailing address in our system within 45 business days. Always confirm that your mailing address is listed correctly by visiting bge.com/myaccount under “My Notification Preferences,” or call us directly at 1.800.685.0123 to update that information.
Why was my refund applied to my account balance?
Unless you communicate directly to BGE that you require a refund check on a current credit balance, the credit will be applied directly to your account. Once requested, a refund may take up to 45 business days to be received by mail. Prior to requesting your refund, please confirm that your mailing address is listed correctly by visiting bge.com/myaccount under "My Notification Preferences," or call us directly at 1.800.685.0123 to update that information.
What do I do if I've accidentally overpaid my account?
Any credit balance on the account will be automatically applied to your next bill. If that is not an option for you, you could dispute that payment with your bank. Otherwise, please contact us directly at 1.800.685.0123 to request a refund. We may require additional documentation to process your request. Please provide the best mailing address for you at the time of your call as it may take up to 45 business days for that refund to be received by mail.
Why is my bill higher than normal?
Please keep in mind that heating and cooling are typically the biggest energy users in your home or business. Weather could impact your bill when these systems work their hardest. Changes within your household or daily routine may also impact your usage. You can find tips for saving at Year-Round Savings Tips.
If you have a supplier, it is important to confirm the rate at which you are being billed. To learn more about your supplier costs, please contact your supplier directly using the phone number listed on your BGE bill. You can find more information on your supplier options at Customer Choice.
If you have concerns about your bill, please contact us directly at 1.800.685.0123 to talk about your usage.
What temperature should I keep my thermostat?
During the summer, if your health permits, we recommend keeping your thermostat at or above 78 degrees. Every degree above 72 degrees F saves 2-4% on cooling costs in the summer.
In the winter, for each degree you lower the thermostat below 68 degrees, you can save up to 5% on heating costs.For more tips on savings, during the winter and summer, please visit: Year-Round Savings Tips.
Why was my bill estimated?
We may estimate your bill if we are unable to read the meter due to weather conditions, equipment issues, or other access reasons outside of our control. In most instances, an estimated reading for one month may have little to no impact on the amount of your monthly bill. Consecutive estimates can impact your bill amount because they occur over a number of months. If estimates occur over several consecutive months and your usage patterns change, when an actual reading is obtained, the "true up" process may be more pronounced. If you receive consecutively estimated bills, please call us at 1-800-685-0123 so that we can work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Please visit here for more information about estimated bills.
What can I do to lower my bill?
To learn the best ways to lower your bill, please visit our Ways to Save webpage. You can track your usage online and see what uses most at: My Account Online Tools.
What is Budget Billing?
Budget Billing smooths utility payments, that otherwise would normally fluctuate by usage, by spreading them evenly throughout the year, so customers will know what to expect each month. Under this payment plan, BGE calculates the budget bill amount by averaging your 12 most recent bills plus any accumulated imbalance amount. BGE will still continue to read your meter each month and bills will always show details of the actual charges and consumption for the billing period, as well as the account balance. To prevent any large deficits or overpayments, BGE will review customer accounts throughout the year. If the Budget Billing amount needs to be adjusted higher or lower than current monthly payments to reflect actual usage, BGE will notify customers one month prior to the change with the new Budget Billing payment amount. Budget Billing is a voluntary program, so you may start or stop Budget Billing at any time. There are no activation or cancellation fees associated with Budget Billing. If you decide to cancel this program, your account will go through a settlement and if any Budget Billing credits exist, they will be applied to your bill. If a pay off balance exists, you will be billed for that balance.
How is my Budget Billing monthly payment determined?
Budget Billing is based on the usage at the service address over the past 12 months. We will review your Budget Billing on a quarterly basis. Based upon your usage, the budgeted amount can be adjusted.
The bill will always show details of the actual charges and consumption for the billing period, as well as your account balance. Your Budget Billing Credit or Pay Off amount will be located in the section headed 'Important Information About Your Bill,' on your statement. If an adjustment to your Budget Billing amount is needed, BGE will always notify you on the bill one month prior to the change taking place. The new budget billing payment amount will also appear under 'Important Information About Your Bill'.
As a customer of the Budget Billing program, how often does my payment amount change and how will I know?
Budget Billing accounts are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Based upon your usage, the budgeted amount can be adjusted. BGE will always notify you one month prior to the change with your new budget billing payment amount. The bill will always show details of the actual charges and consumption for the billing period, as well as your account balance.
What if I have a supplier and I want to enroll in Budget Billing?
If a customer has selected an alternate gas or electric supplier, BGE will still deliver the energy. However, the customers’ Budget Billing amount will only include the gas and/or electric delivery service charges from BGE. The charges from the supplier will be listed as a separate item on the bill.
How do I enroll in Budget Billing?
To enroll you may apply online once you are logged in on your bge.com account or contact us directly at 1.800.685.0123. To be eligible for Budget Billing, your energy bill must be current and up to date.
Can I be on Budget Billing and the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate?
No. You cannot be on both Budget Billing and the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate at the same time. If you decide to enroll in Budget Billing, you will be removed from the Vehicle Charging Time of Use rate, and your electric vehicle charging will be placed back on the standard electric rate.
When choosing a supplier, customer should refer to the Electric and Gas Choice ID numbers on the back on their BGE bill. The Electric Choice ID number is located in the "Electric Details" portion of your bill and the Gas Choice ID number is located in the "Gas Details" portion of your bill. Choice ID numbers are not the same as your BGE account number, and competitive energy supplier will request your Choice ID Number when you sign up for or change your electric or gas supply plan. If you have already chosen a competitive supplier, you will not need to give them your new Choice ID number unless they request it. View sample bill.
Once you have selected a competitive supplier, contact that supplier directly. They will request your Choice ID number when you sign up for or change your electric or gas supply plan. Your Electric and Gas Choice ID numbers found on the back of you BGE Bill. Your Electric Choice ID number is located in the “Electric Details" portion of your bill and the Gas Choice ID number is located in the "Gas Details" portion of your bill. After you authorize a supplier to enroll you, the supplier will contact BGE directly about the changes to your account.
Slamming is switching a customer's energy supplier without the customer's authorization. Cramming is adding charges to a customer's bill for service that were not authorized by the customer. Both slamming and cramming are illegal. If you suspect you are a victim of either of these practices, call the Maryland Public Service Commission at 1-410-767-8000.
Why is BGE encouraging me to review my energy supply choices?
BGE supports customers' right to choose their energy provider. BGE does not own electric generating plants or natural gas production facilities. We purchase the gas and electricity we sell to customers at a regulated price that reflects a market price at the time of purchase. Our profits are not affected by increases or decreases in the price of natural gas or electricity.
What should I look for in a new gas or electric supplier?
Before signing a contract with a new supplier, be sure the company is licensed by the PSC and registered by BGE. You will want to carefully compare the details of each supplier's offers. Does the supplier offer a flat rate, charge a variable market rate, or guarantee a discount compared to BGE's price? You should also consider the length of the contract term and ask if the supplier charges an early termination fee. Consider other factors that may be important to you. For example you may be interested in an electric supplier that offers “green” power, such as solar, wind or hydro power.
Do I have to choose a supplier or can I stay with BGE?
You can choose to stay with BGE. If this is your choice, no action is required on your part.
What happens if my supplier cannot meet my gas or electricity requirements?
BGE is the designated Provider of Last Resort for all customers. That means if your supplier fails to fulfill its contract with you, you are assured of receiving your supply from BGE, or you can opt to select another supplier if one is available. The only exceptions to the Provider of Last Resort designation are certain large commercial and industrial gas customers that have elected not to have BGE serve as their Provider of Last Resort.
What is BGE's role in Energy Choice?
BGE's role is to provide information to help you understand your gas and/or electricity supply choices. No matter who you choose to supply your gas and/or electricity, BGE will continue to deliver it safely and reliably to your home or business. BGE will continue to respond to emergencies and gas odors and to restore power during outages. Simply call 800.685.0123 or Contact Us.
How do I get information about other gas and electricity suppliers?
BGE maintains a list of all gas and electricity suppliers that provide energy to residential and/or business customers. All gas and electricity suppliers providing service to BGE customers must be licensed by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), and must be registered with BGE. In addition, the PSC maintains a directory of gas and electricity suppliers that have met PSC and utility requirements to provide service in Maryland. View BGE's full directory of suppliers.
Will I still receive just one bill from BGE?
The answer depends on the supplier you choose. If a supplier uses BGE's billing system, the supplier's gas and/or electricity charges and BGE's delivery charges will appear on your BGE bill. Some suppliers prefer to bill separately, in which case your BGE bill will include our delivery charges only.
If I have questions about my supplier's bill, do I call BGE?
No. If you are purchasing your gas and/or electricity from a company other than BGE, you should call that company with questions concerning the energy portion of your bill. You should still call BGE if you have any questions about the delivery portion of your bill.
What if I sign up with a supplier and then change my mind?
After you have met the terms of your contract with a supplier, you are free to enter into a new contract, purchase your supply from a different supplier, or return to BGE supply. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have fulfilled the terms of your contract before you switch suppliers. Most suppliers have minimum contract requirements and some may impose a fee for early cancellation.
Why is BGE providing energy suppliers with a list of its residential customers?
Who is responsible for meters?
Together, BGE and our customers share the responsibility for the meters. BGE installs and maintains the meters to make sure the energy you use is being measured properly, so that you receive accurate bills. Our customers also have responsibilities when it comes to the gas and electric meters.
What is my responsibility as a customer?
Customers are responsible for making sure BGE technicians are able to access the electric and gas meters when needed, for meter readings and maintenance. There must be a minimum of three feet of clear space around each meter. While certain meters can be read electronically, these also need to be kept free of the obstructions that may interfere with the electronic transmission and upkeep of the meter and its components.
What are some common meter obstructions?
At times, customers, contractors and landscapers may inadvertently obstruct meters when installing equipment or making certain home and landscaping improvements. Even if BGE is still able to read the meter, these obstructions can often prevent necessary meter maintenance or replacement. This is why we ask customers to ensure there is a minimum of three feet of clear space around each meter.
What happens if a meter is inside or inaccessible?
An inaccessible or obstructed meter can cause issues beyond just limiting access for our meter readers. Customers may not realize that quick access to the meter may be critical in an emergency situation. BGE may need to turn off the meter for safety purposes, or repair/replace a malfunctioning meter. Please make every effort to keep the meter accessible, or to fix any current situation that is preventing BGE from accessing the meter. If the meter is inside or inaccessible, BGE will make attempts to schedule an appointment. This includes phone calls, emails, and/or letters. If access is not granted or an appointment is not made, a customer’s gas and/or electric service is subject to termination.
How do I fix the meter obstruction?
Please contact BGE at 800.685.0123 to discuss your specific meter accessibility issue and recommended next steps. Potential remedies may be as simple as pruning a hedge or may require hiring a plumber or electrician, at your expense, to relocate the meter.
What if I have more questions?
If you have questions about BGE’s meter accessibility policies, please contact the BGE Customer Contact Center at 800.685.0123. Our business hours are Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm. This information can also be found online at BGE.COM.
How do I learn a more about the Smart Energy Savers Program?
For answers to your questions about BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program, please visit bgesmartenergy.com.
How do I get a refund for Sales tax and applicable local energy taxes paid in prior periods that I should not have paid?
The State of Maryland and certain local taxing authorities allow exempt customers to obtain a refund for taxes paid in prior years. The customer must apply for the refund with the appropriate governmental entity in order to receive the refund. BGE does not refund the taxes. View the refund forms and instructions below. In conjunction with the refund process – in the event a customer is missing a bill or bills from a prior period, BGE may provide bill copies at no cost.
Sales and Use Tax Refund Application
Refund Procedure for Nonprofit Organizations
Refund Procedure for Governmental Organizations
Refund Procedure for Manufacturing Organizations
How do I get a Maryland Sales tax exemption on my Public Service account for a condominium?
In order to receive this exemption, you must complete a “Condominium Questionnaire” and provide the original form to BGE. Click on the link below to view the form which must be completed.
Condominium Questionnaire
I am a governmental entity. How do I get a tax exemption on my bill?
As a governmental customer, an exemption is available to you for Maryland Sales tax, and the following local energy taxes: Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel County. In order to receive the exemption, you must provide a copy of the "Comptroller of Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate" (which was issued to you by the State of Maryland) to BGE. Click on the link below to view a sample of the certificate.(A governmental certificate does not have an expiration date). When submitting your documentation – please ensure that you have provided a list of all BGE account numbers covered by the exemption.
You may PDF your tax exemption certificate and any corresponding documentation to the following email address: TaxCertificateMailbox@constellation.com
Government Certificate Sample
I am a manufacturing entity. How do I get a tax exemption on my bill?
As a manufacturing customer, an exemption is available to you for Maryland Sales tax and Baltimore City Energy taxes. Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County provide a discounted energy tax rate if your account is on an Electric Tariff Schedule "GLP", "P' or "T", or a Gas Tariff Schedule "IS". In order to receive the exemption or discounted rate, you must provide a completed Maryland Form SUT206 - "Exemption Certification for Utilities or Fuel Used in Production Activities" to BGE. Please click the link below to view the certificate which must be completed. Please note – retail food vendors are not considered eligible for the manufacturing exemption by the State of Maryland.
Exemption Certification
I am a non-profit entity. How do I get a tax exemption on my bill?
As a non-profit customer, an exemption is available to you for Maryland Sales tax, and the following local energy taxes: Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County. Baltimore City applies a discounted energy tax rate to non-profit customers. In order to receive the exemption or discounted rate, you must provide a copy of the "Comptroller of Maryland Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate" (which was issued to you by the State of Maryland) to BGE. Click on the link below to view a sample of the certificate. When submitting your documentation – please ensure that you have provided a list of all BGE account numbers covered by the exemption.
Non-Profit Sample Certificate
