Competing companies are reaching out to Baltimore Gas and Electric residential customers, promising them rates that will be much less than the 72 percent leap from BGE beginning July 1.
They hope to capitalize on the public outrage over the BGE rate hikes.
BGE officials say they welcome the competition.
“We are very pleased to see it,” said Robert Gould, a spokesman for BGE and parent company Constellation Energy.
“This is exactly what we have been saying would happen with deregulation.”
The biggest push into BGE?s residential market is coming from Washington Gas and Energy Services. In mailings and on its Web site, Washington Gas and Energy Services pushes “Guaranteed Electricity Discounts with WGES!!!”
The Herndon, Va.-based company says: “All BGE residential customers will see shocking electricity price increases beginning July 2006. The Maryland Public Service Commission has announced that generation rates will more than double on residential bills. But the region?s leading competitive energy supplier can ease the shock!”
WGES promises “10 percent off the new BGE summer generation rates.”
The offer runs from July 1 to June 2007.
The company says customers will notice no change in their service: “Your electricity is still distributed to your home by the same company as always BGE. You?ll continue to receive emergency service and one bill for all your electricity charges from BGE.”
The company adds, “There is no interruption of service and no connection charge.”
Harry Warren, president of WGES, said 5 percent of the company?s electricity is generated from wind power.
“The tremendous increase in coal, oil and natural gas prices over the past few years has pushed electric prices higher,” Warren said.
“But Maryland?s competitive electric market provides opportunities for customers to switch to lower-priced suppliers.”
About Washington Gas
» Washington Gas Energy is an affiliate of Washington Gas.
» It provides electricity and natural gas in the mid-Atlantic region.
» It supplies about 180,000 customers in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
» Other competitors include Ohms Energy Co. and Pepco Energy Services.
