Introduction
As Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) rates skyrocket and Baltimoreans struggle to make ends meet, we need to know that our elected officials are not in the monopoly utility’s pocket. By taking the No BGE Pledge, elected officials and candidates for office in Baltimore can demonstrate that they stand with the people and planet, not a private corporation’s profits.
Who can sign the pledge?
Elected officials and candidates for public office in Baltimore City are encouraged to sign the pledge. While our focus is on the Baltimore City Council and Mayor, we welcome pledges from other elected officials and candidates who represent Baltimoreans.
What does taking the pledge mean?
Taking the No BGE Pledge means that you and your campaign will adopt a policy to not knowingly accept any contributions from the PACs, lobbyists, or SEC-named executives of BGE or Exelon. If you find out that you have accidentally accepted a contribution from one of these entities after signing this pledge, you must return it within 30 days.
How do I sign the pledge?
Fill out this form. Once you sign, your name will be listed on Baltimore Public Power’s website as a signer of the No BGE Pledge.
Who is behind the No BGE Pledge?
The No BGE Pledge is a project of the Baltimore Public Power Campaign, a grassroots campaign to transition away from our reliance on BGE’s exploitative monopoly to a publicly-owned utility that will ensure lower bills, cleaner energy, and local control for Baltimore City residents.
Why should I sign this pledge?
As an investor-owned utility, BGE (owned by Exelon) profits off of Baltimoreans who are beholden to this corporate monopoly to meet a basic need: energy. BGE’s price hikes have made energy and the overall cost of living increasingly unaffordable for thousands of Baltimoreans.
No one should have to choose between buying food and paying their electricity bills, but that is the reality for thousands of people across the city, which has the highest net energy burden in the state of Maryland. And BGE keeps making matters worse, all to increase their own profits:
- Since 2010, BGE’s gas delivery rates increased by 246% (triple the rate of inflation) and its electric delivery rates increased by 92% (twice the inflation rate)
- BGE profits have nearly quadrupled from $147 million in 2010 to $578 million in 2025
- 82% of Baltimore City residents consider the cost of household energy bills as a major issue in their communities
- In 2025, BGE customers’ utility debt rose to $117 million, up from $84 million in 2022.
Investor-owned utilities like BGE answer only to shareholders, prioritizing the maximization of profits over all else—affordability, the health of the people of Baltimore, and a livable future.
The No BGE Pledge aims to reduce BGE’s control over Baltimore’s grid and to limit its influence within local politics. The Baltimore Public Power Campaign is running the No BGE Pledge to shine a light on BGE’s corrupting influence on local politics and to pave a path toward a public power future by reducing BGE’s stranglehold on our elected officials.
You can demonstrate your commitment to a future with affordable utility bills, cleaner energy, more reliable service, and local control by signing the Pledge. If your office wants to talk about introducing legislation or campaigning on a platform of public power, please email our campaign at baltimorepublicpower@proton.me.