City Conduit Deal with BGE

I participated in the first hearing regarding the BGE conduit. I have several concerns which I articulated during the hearing.

• BGE will raise our rates, and there is nothing in the contract that protects ratepayers from these increases. That actually did happen a few days after the deal was “approved.”

• BGE has been less than stellar partner in our communities. While we understand that digging with no notice when there is a gas or electrical emergency, often BGE enters neighborhoods with no notice, and has had a track record of not coordinating with DOT and other agencies. For example, the work along Greenmount Avenue was prolonged because BGE went in, and we discovered they would go in right before we repaved the area. There was no notice. They are now obligated to provide us with a list of all of the BGE planned work by council district so that we can be prepared. Proper public notice MUST be required when doing work on the conduit. No where in the contract with BGE is there a requirement for proper notice. Proper notice is flyers on doors, phone calls, and notice to the Councilmember and community association - much like DPW does for the sewer and water main planned work (not emergency work, we understand when things are emergency!). Other examples include different work quality in Black neighborhoods vs white neighborhoods as well. We need BGE’s guarantee on notice and communications.

• This was a no-bid contract. While there were negotiations to continue the arrangement as is, something must have happened that has caused this no-bid contract to occur. The other conduit users are just as upset about this as we are.

I look forward to the next hearing on Feb 23rd and please feel free to contact me with any concerns and questions.