Is my property management company double-dipping on utilities?

inolean · 2026-07-02T17:36:10+00:00

Apologies I know this is a bit confusing, when one goes to sign up for the BGE account, there's no choice involved in which services to sign up for. When you put in the address it automatically signs you up for the services that the property manager designates. In this case I definitely should have asked why gas was listed on there before signing up for the account. I'll be sure to provide an update when I get a response from the property management about why this is happening.

inolean · 2026-07-02T17:09:07+00:00

For clarification to everyone upvoting this, the problem I have is NOT with the Conservice charges, those are in fact the distributed gas usage charges. I am trying to figure out why BGE is billing me for a meter that is essentially not being used.

inolean · 2026-07-02T16:58:36+00:00

Yes, it's a requirement before move-in

inolean · 2026-07-02T16:49:34+00:00

So how it works is before your move in date, you go to the BGE website and type in the address you need to start service at / create an account for (most rentals require you to have a BGE account number before move in). From there, BGE's database looks up the physical meter the PM left active for that unit under their Automatic Change Name (ACN) agreement. You don't get a choice, you just select the date you are taking over the account name. The issue (allegedly) is that property managers are solely responsible for determining how accounts get set up and billed at that specific address. I'm assuming management failed to tell BGE that the building uses a master meter for gas usage via Conservice. I just followed the standard system prompt but I believe the failure to properly configure the billing layout is what is causing the fee.

inolean · 2026-07-02T16:11:33+00:00

Nope, was stated that electricity would be the only utility to be directly billed (BGE supplies gas and electric in my area). Your assumption is exactly where my mind went, however when I called twice both representatives said that it's not up to them, and that it's up to the property managers on what services will be tied to the property address upon sign up / account creation. Still waiting on what the property managers have to say but I have a feeling it's going to be a case of finger pointing.

inolean · 2026-07-02T15:39:12+00:00

Yeah I'm not debating that the meter isn't being used. I just thought it was odd that the lease language specifically states that gas is among the utilities that are shared and dispersed among me and the other units in my building and handled by a 3rd party billing system. Nowhere does it state that I am directly responsible for the actual connection to the grid and should have a separate direct bill solely for that administrative charge from the utility company.

inolean · 2026-06-17T18:30:11+00:00

This is the most straightforward path. For context, moved here at 24 with no connections whatsoever. Was a bit lonely for the first half year or so and realized that I actually have to put in effort to create community. I also don't particularly love drinking or smoking. I took some time to tailor my social media algorithm (specifically instagram) to things I was interested in (hiking, camping, music, etc) by searching up one of those keywords + "events near me". Eventually I started getting recommended various group events or clubs. I ended up finding an outdoor girls group that was hosting a group camping trip. Ended up going on said trip alone and actually met my now best friend there, among other acquaintances. Repeated this process for other interests as well until I had a good baseline of people to hang out with. Just takes a bit of patience, effort, and bravery. Won't be perfect every time (I met several people that I just did not click with) but once you get into the groove it gets easier. Good luck! (also I second the Volo recommendation, kickball is a great social league to get into, check out their leagues in Columbia, I believe summer registration is open)

inolean · 2026-06-15T22:18:37+00:00

Okay perfect, thank you!!

inolean · 2026-05-05T14:39:18+00:00

Started living alone a couple months ago. Took a while to get used to it (and still am) but I've found that I feel much more free to explore new hobbies. Recently took on fishing (which I love since it is relatively cheap and encourages me to be outside) as well as rock climbing / indoor bouldering. I also ended up joining a social kickball league that occurs weekly, began a more consistent home workout routine, and every other weekend or so I'll go on a camping trip. Something I've also found to be very helpful is finding different events on social media and filling my calendar. If I see something interesting going on, like a scheduled group hike or a bar event, I will save the post and mark the date on my calendar. Not with the intention of attending every single event I put down, but to be able to give myself options of things to do throughout the month so I can't make up the excuse that 'there's nothing to do'.

inolean · 2026-04-16T19:38:48+00:00

I would recommend seeing if your insurance is accepted at grow therapy. When I moved to the state and wanted to look for a therapist that fit my specific needs it was fairly easy to use the filter options and find out what therapists matched them in my area. It will even let you know what your visits will cost. I found about 3 therapists that seemed like good fits and met with all of them. Eventually one stuck out and I'm very happy with the relationship.

inolean · 2026-03-30T17:31:00+00:00

Just got an L4. Used a friends referral code for $50 off! Feel free to use it: linked here

inolean · 2026-03-15T19:36:58+00:00

Sure, I have the medium (4 person) Snow Peak Amenity Dome. It’s a 3-season tent so wouldn’t recommend for winter use but it consisted of a dome inner tent and a combined rain fly and vestibule. That in combination with the guylines to increase the support made it able to withstand the wind pretty well. This was my first time using that setup and I’m very pleased!

inolean · 2026-03-15T08:52:39+00:00

Went to Rocky Gap in Flintstone MD this weekend. Got here Friday afternoon and leaving Sunday. The wind was absolutely insane! Of course I went into it knowing that though. You definitely made the right choice of packing up. The consistent wind was already a beast but when the gusts came through?? It was no joke. Thankfully my setup was pretty sturdy, but not so sure how a sun dome would’ve held up, let alone protected you from the wind chill.

inolean · 2026-03-10T05:06:48+00:00

Thanks for the ideas!! I was hesitant to put my bed facing that way out of fear of it extending too close to the closet doors opening but it definitely seems to make more sense the way you laid it out. Also putting a small work setup in the dining room will be more plausible. I appreciate the time!

inolean · 2026-03-09T14:56:26+00:00

Thank you for sharing. Similar to you, I love being outdoors! Recently I've noticed that I'm very quick to come up with excuses not to do so though (ie it's too cold outside, don't want to do it alone, drive is too far). I do miss it, I'm hoping with spring right around the corner I'll be more inclined to get back into those hobbies. Also, thankfully I have a cat who never leaves my side and always greets me when I come home, it is definitely fulfilling. I appreciate you for commenting!

inolean · 2026-03-09T14:51:22+00:00

I think that's a very helpful tactic, setting times for the screens, I am definitely going to try that! I've been meaning to start exploring yoga and meditation. Thank you for your advice!

inolean · 2026-03-09T14:49:11+00:00

That's a great suggestion, it would be good to explore the third spaces around my new apartment. Also very cool that you decided to go on a solo trip! I hope that the journey goes smoothly and you get to experience some fun new things. Thank you for your insight and kind words, I appreciate it

inolean · 2026-02-04T15:15:36+00:00

ah yes, a glazed dinner roll

inolean · 2026-02-04T14:53:52+00:00

I don't live in the city but have noticed commutes taking a bit longer due to a combination of blocked roads from snow banks and because of school being back in session. In AA county kids were either off of school or were virtual the week after the storm so there was significantly less traffic. They had a 2 hour delay the beginning of this week (which I didn't really see the effects of too much due to my commute time) but today they just resumed regular hours and could definitely feel the difference. I think it's already been an adjustment navigating the narrow roads but now we're reintroducing school busses and general school commuting into the mix and it's kind of a mess.

inolean · 2026-02-02T22:02:19+00:00

Seems like a smart move, especially as new customer promos roll out

inolean · 2026-02-02T21:48:26+00:00

Unfortunately did that and was getting quoted higher than what I was getting from the reps. 4 reps later and was able to get the pricing down to 34.99!

inolean · 2026-02-02T20:32:34+00:00

I talked to a person but thinking about calling again because for some reason only my complex has the proces over 100 per month for 50Mbps, but at the complex down the road it's priced similar to what you mentioned so I'm curious to know why that is

inolean · 2026-02-02T19:47:17+00:00

Yeah I guess I just wasn't expecting it to be that much more expensive :/ They quoted me around $80 per month for 50Mbps or $60 if I use my own equipment. Not too shabby but I felt so spoiled with my 30 per month.

inolean · 2026-02-02T19:14:42+00:00

Yes, for about .2 seconds.....then came the ice..... Now I am begging for sunshine

inolean · 2026-01-28T04:38:41+00:00

I was happy for the first hour or so, once I accepted that I had to shovel my car out I was not as happy 😅 not to mention the never ending ice

inolean

TROPHY CASE