PSC Staff Finds No Issues in BGE Home Logo Use, Resource Sharing

BGE Home Products & Services, "fully complies with COMAR regarding the use of a utility affiliate's trademark and logo," Maryland PSC Staff said in responsive testimony in the investigation of Baltimore Gas & Electric affiliate issues (Case 9235). The investigation stems from a complaint from several HVAC contractors (7/14).

Staff is not recommending any changes in the current COMAR affiliate tradename regulations, reiterating that any such change shall be addressed in a broader proceeding and not in a proceeding relating solely to BGE.

Staff also concluded that BGE is in compliance with § 7-211(h)(5)(iii) of the PUC Article, and that BGE does not improperly share resources with BGE Home.

Staff noted that BGE Home affirmed that it does not receive any customer referrals from BGE, nor does BGE refer any customers whatsoever to HVACR contractors if they are having issues with their HVACR service.

Regarding the availability of utility consolidated billing to HVAC contractors, Staff noted that utility consolidated billing is available in a non-discriminatory manner. The cost to any participant would the same as charged to BGE Home.