The Baltimore Sun asked readers and social media followers how BGE rate hikes were affecting your lives — and you told us. Read below what social media and website users had to say about the recent rate hikes. Responses have been edited for clarity and content; the names associated with the responses are screen names or social media handles.

From Jay Friedman, via Facebook:

Natural gas prices have more than doubled in the past year. If utilities have to pay higher prices, what do elected officials think they can do about the situation?

From Mike Sancho Panza, via Facebook:

The bill for December was double the norm. I paid it, but wasn’t happy about it. The bill for January was triple, so we became very concerned at the state of politics and the games that all the agencies and power companies play. The citizens are victims of the games.

No one seems to have answers and no one seems to want to help. Helplessness and hopelessness are the things I’ve observed most when people talk about this topic. Who out there is on the side of the citizens?

From Chris Stone (@RTDTheStoner), via X:

Folks are willing to accept minor increases due to cost of living but to double energy bills overnight is unacceptable and forces budget cutbacks on other essentials. “Do you want to stay warm or do you want to eat a healthy meal?” should never be a daily decision.

From user timconnelly305, via Instagram: Our bills more than tripled.

From user ashholler, via Instagram:

We are noticing the trends and planning for it to be a lot worse next year. That means less discretionary spending and more saving.

From Robert Bonnett, via email:

Our BGE bill at the worst of winter months never topped $300 (before this). The last two months, it’s been $525! Sounds like more than a small increase. The legislature got us in this mess and they damn well better get us out of it.

I understand coal-fired plants in Maryland were shut down to help clean the air, but now we import (electricity) from Pennsylvania, raising the costs through distribution fees. The distribution fees are usually double the costs of the product itself. The kicker is: Pennsylvania creates these products by burning coal.

From Pam Hamburg, via email:

Last week I received a letter from Constellation informing me that my contract would not be renewed. In doing my due diligence, I learned that Constellation is moving out of Maryland entirely due to green energy legislation. (Can you say Moore?)

This leaves Carroll with only BGE as a provider. Yes, a monopoly right here in good old Carroll County. The end of my contract is April 4.

Are we having fun yet?

From user bradleyhsummerhill, via Instagram:

We can no longer afford to eat.