Baltimore Gas and Electric is asking Maryland regulators to approve a $156 million electric rate increase. But Baltimore leaders and consumer advocates say customers have already paid enough. Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen spoke outside BGE headquarters in downtown Baltimore before the Public Service Commission opened the rate case a few blocks away. BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopolus spoke after the PSC hearing, which set the schedule for evidence and testimony on whether the increase is justified. We are facing cost pressures just like every other organization, just like Baltimore City,” Alexopolus said.