Bill would ban external gas regulators citywide

'We heard the concerns. We heard the outrage'

'We heard the concerns. We heard the outrage'

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'We heard the concerns. We heard the outrage'

Some Baltimore City Council members want a citywide ban on external gas regulators amid a long-standing dispute between some residents and Baltimore Gas and Electric.

While the utility claims external gas regulators are safe, some city homeowners disagree and complain that installation of the devices damages their houses.

"This has been a frustrating issue for everyone throughout the city. A lot of people have been advocating. We heard the concerns. We heard the outrage," said Baltimore City Councilman Eric Costello, D-District 11.

The bill is set to be introduced on Aug. 21, and it will include an exception that homeowners who want the outdoor gas regulators can get them installed as long as they give written permission.

"For the many months, community residents have been clamoring for this. If somebody is ready to step up and try to stop BGE and join the fight with the community, that is welcome news," said Thiru Vignarajah, an attorney representing residents fighting against the outdoor devices.

The bill would not be retroactive, so outdoor regulators already installed will remain.

"I would say, at the core of this, it's just respect for private property, and the appropriate engagement, the appropriate communication and transparency," City Council President Nick Mosby said.

BGE spokesman Nick Alexopulos said in a statement sent to 11 News: "We are continuing to engage with customers who have questions and concerns about this important work, and we look forward to the Public Service Commission's upcoming proceeding on this matter and urge them to act swiftly and decisively."

| RELATED: Baltimore City Council adopts resolution to oppose BGE rate hikes

The PSC's hearing is set for Aug. 15.

Three women who protested against the devices in Federal Hill and were arrested by police were at Thursday's announcement.

"I love it," Sandra Seward said. "I'm absolutely thrilled that they are considering this and putting forth the bill."

| RELATED: Residents push back against BGE's new exterior gas systems

Some residents filed a lawsuit in court, claiming construction to install the regulators damaged their homes. They and BGE are awaiting a judge's decision.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott was asked on Wednesday to respond about the external gas regulators.

"I do not talk about anything that's in open court in public. I will say we have a Public Service Commission who oversees BGE, and we have them here for a reason, and we will always be here to support our residents in any way we can for what we are responsible for at the city level," Scott said.

| VIDEO BELOW: City Council holds public hearing on BGE gas regulators