Baltimore Councilman Eric Costello announces legislation to ban installation of external gas regulators

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore City Councilman Eric Costello plans to introduce legislation to put a citywide ban on BGE's installation of high-pressure external gas regulators. 

The announcement comes as conflicts with BGE and its customers reach a boiling point over the upgrades. 

The concerns from residents center around safety, aesthetics and their rights as property owners.  

Back in June, three women were charged for protesting the construction work in Federal Hill, which ultimately led to a class-action lawsuit with more than 400 plaintiffs from across Baltimore. 

A judge has granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the installation of the gas regulators until Sept. 5.  

Costello said the legislation will be introduced during the next city council meeting on August 21.

He said, for the past two months, this bill has been worked on with several departments, including the city's legal team and Baltimore's Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). 

The legislation aims to put a citywide halt on BGE's high-pressure external gas regulator installation, specifically on any structure with five or fewer dwelling units. 

However, if a resident does want the upgrade, Costello said there will be a permitting process, which would require the signature of the property owner. 

Costello said this legislation would not be retroactive for those who already have the upgrade. 

Residents across Baltimore say there are several key issues with the equipment, including their safety if the external regulator were to be hit by a vehicle. Also, the installation may cause damage to the facade of many historic homes.

In a statement following this announcement by Council, BGE said, "Outdoor installation is supported by lawmakers, regulators and administrative agencies at the state and federal level and is an industry best practice."

City Council President Nick Mosby said the crux of this legislation is about personal property.  

"This is an issue that transcends zip codes, it transcends socioeconomics, and it's really at the core of engagement of private practice, respect for community and respect for private property," Mosby said.

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a hearing about the regulators on August 15.

Councilman Costello said if a decision is not made by PSC, City Council is ready to move forward to introduce the bill.

Related Coverage:

• City Council hears complaints from Baltimore residents over BGE's installation of gas regulators
  
• Residents suing BGE urge historic preservation to forbid gas regulator installations on 100-year-old homes
• West Baltimore residents join class action lawsuit against BGE
• Customers arrested protesting BGE gas equipment sue utility as work continues in Federal Hill
• Judge denies BGE's request to cancel preliminary hearing in class action lawsuit
• Baltimore residents argue in lawsuit BGE can't force 'dangerous' exterior gas regulator on customers
• Baltimore homeowners notch first win, judge orders restraining order to halt BGE work