BGE Customer Care Number: How to Reach Baltimore Gas and Electric Fast
When you need help with your Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) service, the most direct path is the customer care line. BGE serves approximately 1.3 million electric customers and more than 700,000 natural gas customers across central Maryland, including Baltimore City and surrounding counties. Because of that scale, knowing exactly which number to dial—and when—can save you time and help resolve your issue in a single call.
BGE has been operating since 1816 and, today, is an Exelon utility. That means robust phone support backed by online and mobile self-service options. Below you’ll find the core phone numbers, service hours, and practical tips drawn from utility operations best practices to help you get what you need quickly and safely.
Contents
The primary BGE phone numbers (and when to use each)
Use the main BGE customer care number for account-specific questions such as bills, payment arrangements, starting or stopping service, deposit questions, and general service inquiries. Outage reporting and gas emergencies each have dedicated, 24/7 lines designed to route you straight to the right operations team. Having the appropriate number can shave minutes off your resolution time—especially during weather events.
Keep your BGE account number handy if you can; it accelerates authentication. If you don’t have it, your service address and the last four digits of your SSN (or Tax ID for businesses) usually suffice. For safety situations, skip the main line and use the emergency numbers below immediately.
- BGE Customer Care (account/billing/service): 800-685-0123 (Mon–Fri, typically 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. ET)
- Report an electric outage (24/7): 877-778-2222
- Report a gas leak or gas emergency (24/7): 877-778-7798
- Website: www.bge.com (account management, outage map, live chat during business hours)
- TTY/TTY via Maryland Relay: 711 (ask to connect to BGE)
- Social support for non-emergencies: X/Twitter @MyBGE and Facebook.com/MyBGE
Always verify numbers on BGE’s official Contact Us page if you’re unsure, particularly after major storms when high call volumes can lead to spoofed numbers or scam attempts. If someone calls you claiming to be BGE and pressures you for payment, hang up and dial 800-685-0123 yourself.
Hours, wait times, and the best times to call
The BGE customer care center typically operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding major holidays. Emergency and outage lines run 24/7, 365 days a year. During peak weather events (summer heat waves, winter storms), expect extended hold times on both the main line and the outage line.
To minimize waiting, call early in the day (7:00–8:30 a.m.) or later in the afternoon (after 5:00 p.m.). Historically, Mondays, month-end, and the day after a holiday see the heaviest traffic. Routine requests—like updating contact info, enabling paperless billing, or setting up Budget Billing—are noticeably faster online when call volumes are elevated.
When wait times spike, BGE may offer a callback option. If your issue is non-urgent, scheduling a callback or using the website/app is often the quickest route to resolution. Outage reporting is best done via the dedicated line or online because those channels feed directly into the outage management system.
Emergencies and outages: what to do, step by step
For suspected gas leaks: leave the area immediately, do not use light switches or phones inside the building, and once safely away, call 877-778-7798. If you believe there is immediate danger to life or property, call 911 first, then notify BGE. Gas calls are prioritized and dispatched to trained gas emergency responders.
For electric outages or downed wires, call 877-778-2222 or report online at www.bge.com/outages. Treat every downed wire as energized; keep at least 30 feet away and prevent others from approaching. If a line falls on a vehicle, instruct occupants to remain inside until first responders say it’s safe to exit.
Outage status, estimated restoration times (ETRs), and crew assignments are published and updated on the online outage map. During major storms, ETRs can change as crews assess damage; checking the online map periodically is the fastest way to get updates without tying up the phones.
Billing, payments, and financial assistance by phone
For billing questions, payment plans, or to discuss a pending disconnection notice, call 800-685-0123. You can request a payment extension, enroll in Budget Billing to even out seasonal swings, or set up AutoPay. Phone payments may route through a third-party processor; a convenience fee can apply to credit/debit card payments. Bank account (ACH) payments are generally fee-free.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, ask about available assistance. In Maryland, the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) administers bill assistance; you can reach Maryland DHS/OHEP at 800-332-6347 to begin an application. BGE also participates in programs that support medically vulnerable customers; ask about medical certification options if life-support equipment is involved.
Have the following ready: your account number, service address, a recent meter reading (if requested), and your preferred payment method. If you received a disconnection notice, reference the notice number and date; agents can often prevent unnecessary field visits when they have this information up front.
Start, stop, or transfer service
New service, move-ins, and move-outs can be initiated online at www.bge.com or by calling 800-685-0123. Standard connections usually occur within 1–3 business days if the meter is accessible and no field work is needed. Same-day service may be possible depending on workload and safety requirements; fees may apply.
Deposits can be required based on credit history, account status, or location; agents can run a credit screen and explain deposit options, including refund timelines after on-time payment history is established. For new gas service activations, ensure all gas appliances are accessible; a responsible adult (18+) may need to be present for safety checks.
Businesses should have their Tax ID, legal entity name, and service address ready. Construction and large-load projects typically start online; a design or field engineer will follow up with requirements, timelines, and any cost responsibilities.
Most routine needs are faster online: log into your account at www.bge.com to view bills, set up AutoPay, enroll in Budget Billing, manage alerts, report outages, and track restoration status. The outage map provides real-time information without waiting on the phone.
BGE’s mobile app (iOS and Android) offers quick outage reporting, bill pay, usage graphs, and push alerts. If you prefer messaging, BGE’s social media team at @MyBGE on X/Twitter and Facebook.com/MyBGE can assist with general questions; for privacy, they will move account-specific issues to secure channels.
Live chat is often available during business hours via the website, and it’s effective for billing questions, payment confirmations, and move requests that don’t require documentation uploads. For anything involving safety, always use the emergency numbers instead of social media or chat.
Make your call efficient: what to have ready and how to reach help quickly
Preparation shortens calls and improves outcomes—especially during high-demand periods. Gather your information before dialing, and be clear about your objective (for example, “requesting a payment arrangement for this amount on this date” or “starting electric and gas service on a specific move-in date”). If language assistance is needed, ask for an interpreter at the start; BGE can accommodate many languages through translation services.
When you reach the automated system, listen for the option that best matches your need (billing, payment, outage, start/stop service). For non-emergency power interruptions, use the outage line or online reporting, which ties directly into the operations system and avoids the general queue.
- Have ready: BGE account number, service address, a callback number, last four of SSN/Tax ID, and any notice numbers or case IDs.
- For payments: know your payment method (ACH routing/account or card), exact amount, and any confirmation numbers if you’ve already paid.
- For move-in/move-out: exact service address, meter access details, preferred activation date, and whether someone can be on-site.
- For outages: time power was lost, whether neighbors are affected, any visible hazards (downed lines, tree damage), and medical needs at the premise.
- If a call looks suspicious: hang up and call 800-685-0123 yourself; BGE will not demand gift cards, cryptocurrency, or immediate payment via pressure tactics.
Document the date, time, and the representative’s name or ID, plus any confirmation number provided. If your issue is complex, ask for a case number and callback timeframe; this creates a trail that helps subsequent agents pick up exactly where the last interaction ended.
Final notes and verification
Phone numbers and availability can change after major events or system upgrades. For the most current contact options, visit BGE’s official site at www.bge.com and check the Contact Us section. Keep emergency numbers—877-778-2222 for electric outages and 877-778-7798 for gas emergencies—saved in your phone for quick access.
Whether you’re paying a bill, starting service, or reporting an emergency, using the right number at the right time is the fastest way to get help. With the preparation tips above and the key contacts at hand, you’ll navigate BGE customer care like a pro.
