Baltimore Gas and Electric Introduces Battery Program for Medically Vulnerable Customers

Program Provides Free Backup Power for Customers With Critical Medical Needs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 22, 2026

Annapolis, MD – On Tuesday, January 20th, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) introduced a program that would provide zero-cost batteries for medically vulnerable customers. If adopted, the program would offer a critical solution for customers who are at risk during power outages.

BGE’s introduced pilot program would provide utility-owned batteries free of charge to qualifying multifamily facilities with medically vulnerable residents. The batteries would both support the energy grid by participating in a virtual power plant and maintain a high minimum state of charge that ensures availability for medically vulnerable customers during emergencies. BGE plans to install 3 MW of batteries under this pilot to reach an estimated 300 medically vulnerable customers over two years. 

“Baltimore Gas and Electric is making history by introducing this program and bringing awareness to a problem often forgotten by utilities when communities experience power outages, especially during extreme weather events,” said Jake Duncan, Vote Solar’s Southeast Senior Regulatory Director. “By strengthening local energy resilience and expanding access to battery storage, communities gain peace of mind and can protect access to life-saving medical equipment during power outages.” 

BGE submitted the pilot proposal to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), the state agency that regulates utilities. The PSC will review the proposal and is expected to issue an order approving, denying, or modifying the proposal in the coming months. 

“This pilot was designed with our communities in mind,” said Duncan. “We hope that the PSC recognizes the meaningful benefits it can deliver to the people it serves and approves the proposal.”  

About Vote Solar

Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build an equitable clean energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.