If your BGE bill jumped this year, you're not imagining things.
On January 1, 2026, Baltimore Gas and Electric raised its distribution rates under the final phase of a multi-year rate plan approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission back in 2023. The average residential electric bill climbed by $1.07 per month. Gas went up another $2.65 per month.
Then February hit, and rates increased again — an additional 72 cents per month on electric and $1.95 per month on gas, locked in through the end of 2027.
And on March 1, 2026, electric supply rates rose once more.
That's three separate rate increases in the first three months of 2026 alone.
The Numbers Behind the Frustration
This isn't a one-time thing. Since Exelon acquired BGE in 2012, gas distribution rates have more than tripled and electric rates have nearly doubled, according to Maryland's Office of People's Counsel — an independent state watchdog.
Maryland's electricity rates now sit around 19.87 cents per kilowatt-hour, above both the national average (16.0¢) and the 2023 state average (16.6¢). BGE's current rates expire at the end of 2026, and the utility is required to file a new rate case before 2027 — meaning another round of increases is likely on the horizon.
For homeowners and small businesses, the math is getting harder to ignore.
Community Solar Is Changing the Equation
BGE raised rates again. Here's what to do about it.
Community solar credits offset rate increases. Get your free estimate.
Maryland's community solar program became permanent in early 2025, and it's one of the most practical tools available for offsetting exactly these kinds of rate increases — no panels, no installation, no roof required.
Here's how it works: a solar farm is built within your utility territory. You subscribe to a share of the output. Each month, the energy your share generates is credited directly to your BGE or Pepco bill, reducing what you owe.
Maryland's program is designed so that when your subscription output exceeds your usage in a given month, you only pay the fixed customer charge — which for BGE is $9.65 per month. That's the floor. Maryland even scored a perfect 13 out of 13 on the 2025 Community Power Scorecard, reflecting how strong the state's consumer protections are.
For households currently paying $150–$200 per month on electricity, the savings aren't hypothetical — they're measurable and consistent, month after month.
What StarShine Clients Are Seeing
At StarShine LLC, Deandre brings BPI-certified building performance expertise and hands-on site inspection experience to every client assessment. The goal isn't just to sign you up for something — it's to match you to the right program based on your actual usage, your utility territory, and the timing of your enrollment.
Maryland homeowners and businesses in BGE and Pepco territory are seeing the clearest return right now, given where rates are and where they're headed.
You can see real numbers from actual StarShine clients on our Success Tracker — average monthly credits, total savings to date, and which programs they're enrolled in.
Act Before the Next Rate Filing
BGE must file its next rate case before the end of 2026. That means new increases — and new uncertainty — are coming regardless of what the PSC approves.
The best time to lock in community solar credits is before the next round of hikes takes effect. Enrollment typically takes 4–8 weeks to activate, which means starting now puts you ahead of the curve.
Residential customers: Check your savings at /savings — takes about two minutes and there's no commitment to sign up.
Commercial property owners: BGE's rising rates hit businesses even harder at scale. See what community solar and carport installations look like for commercial sites →
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much did BGE raise rates in 2026?
A: BGE implemented three separate increases in the first three months of 2026. Electric distribution rates rose $1.07/month in January and another $0.72/month in February (locked through 2027). Supply rates rose again in March. Gas distribution went up $2.65/month in January and $1.95/month in February.
Q: Can community solar actually offset BGE rate increases?
A: Yes. Community solar subscribers pay a discounted rate for solar credits — typically 10–20% below BGE's retail rate. When BGE raises rates, the value of your credit grows in lockstep, since you're buying supply at a fixed discount off whatever BGE charges that month.
Q: Do I need to own my home to subscribe to community solar in Maryland?
A: No. Maryland's community solar program is tied to your utility account, not your property. Renters with active BGE service in their name are fully eligible — no landlord permission required.
Q: How long does enrollment take before I start saving?
A: Activation typically takes 4–8 weeks after enrollment. Once active, a "Community Solar Credit" line item appears on your BGE bill every month automatically. No action required on your part after signup.
Q: Will BGE rates keep rising after 2026?
A: Almost certainly. BGE is required to file a new rate case before the end of 2026. Given that rates have nearly doubled since Exelon acquired BGE in 2012, the trajectory is clear. Community solar locks in your discount now, before the next filing takes effect.
Related Reading
- How Maryland Renters Save 10–20% on BGE Bills with Community Solar (2026 Guide)
- Maryland Is Fighting Back Against BGE — But Relief Hasn’t Arrived Yet. Here’s How to Lock In Savings Now
- Ameren Illinois rates are rising — and they’re just getting started. Here’s how to opt out.
- What Is Community Solar? How It Works (Plain-English Guide)
StarShine LLC helps Maryland and Illinois homeowners and businesses access solar savings through community programs, site assessments, and BPI-certified energy consulting. Questions? Reach us at sunfunnel@polsia.app.