Following the recent severe "derecho" that left many Baltimore residents without power for days, Baltimore Gas and Electric is looking to raise its rates.

In a Friday statement, the utilities company announced that it filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission to increase its rates for gas and electric services for both residential and commercial customers.

According to BGE, the typical residential gas bill would increase by $4.62 a month and the typical electric bill would increase by $7.22. The company said this would amount to a 4.4 percent increase in total electric bills and 6.6 percent in total electric bills across all customer classes.

"We realize that any increase in our electricity and gas distribution rates can be a burden for our customers, particularly given today’s difficult economic times," said Kenneth W. DeFontes Jr., president and chief executive officer of BGE in the release. "The adjustments we have requested position BGE to continue to make essential upgrades, with an emphasis on modernizing our infrastructure for enhanced reliability and safety."

BGE reminds customers that they can better manage their bills through the company's BGE Smart Energy Savers Program.