Frigid temperatures will last throughout the week in the Baltimore region, coming at a time when energy costs continue to rise. At the start of the month, the average residential gas bill increased by just over $2, while electric bills rose by about $1. Baltimore Gas and Electric says unusua lly cold weather and Maryland’s limited power supply drive energy demand. Energy advocates, however, point to poor policy, corporate greed and utility overspending. Applications for BGE’s second Customer Relief Fund, which opened last week, are now closed. BGE spokeswoman Jane Ballentine said the company will know in the coming weeks how many residents received assistance. The utility donated $2.5 million to the United Way of Central Maryland to help residential gas customers who owe more than $250. Read more (and listen) at WYPR. ...read more read less