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Maryland Regulators Consider Cuts to EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Program Amid Utility Proposals

Maryland Regulators Consider Cuts to EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Program Amid Utility Proposals

Maryland's electric utilities have submitted proposals to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to reduce the scope and budget of the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program. These proposals follow a temporary legislative reduction earlier this year, aimed at offsetting high electric bills. Utilities, including Exelon-owned Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), Pepco, and Delmarva Power, are advocating for deeper cuts, arguing it provides immediate relief to customers facing rising energy costs. For instance, Potomac Edison customers could see monthly bill reductions of $8.06 to $8.79, while BGE and Pepco customers might see $6 to $7.50 in savings. However, these proposed cuts coincide with separate rate increase requests from Exelon utilities, which could diminish the perceived savings for consumers. Consumer advocates and environmental groups warn that such reductions could lead to higher long-term costs by increasing strain on the electric grid and necessitating new infrastructure.
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Maryland Utilities Resist $32 Million Customer Refund Amid Legal Dispute Over State Law

Maryland Utilities Resist $32 Million Customer Refund Amid Legal Dispute Over State Law

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. (BGE) and Delmarva Power are currently resisting demands to refund over $32 million in excess revenue to Maryland customers. According to the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel, BGE collected approximately $28 million more than projected in 2025, while Delmarva Power collected an additional $4.27 million. The utilities argue that recent changes in state law, specifically the Next Generation Energy Act of 2025 and the Utility RELIEF Act in 2026, prevent regulators from ordering retrospective refunds for the period in question. BGE, Maryland’s largest utility, serves about 1.3 million electric customers and 700,000 natural gas customers across Baltimore City and eight counties. Delmarva Power serves over 217,000 electric customers, primarily on the Eastern Shore. The Office of People’s Counsel has formally requested the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to hold a hearing to determine if the refunds are mandated. BGE acknowledges an overcollection in gas revenue but stat...
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BGE Seeks $156 Million Rate Increase, Drawing Consumer Advocate Concerns

BGE Seeks $156 Million Rate Increase, Drawing Consumer Advocate Concerns

Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) is pursuing regulatory approval for a $156 million rate increase, a move that has drawn significant concern from the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC). The OPC, an independent state agency representing residential utility customers, argues that this proposal continues a trend of rate hikes by BGE that have substantially outpaced inflation over several years. According to the OPC's analysis, if approved in full, the average BGE customer could see their annual bill increase by approximately $100. The proposed increase includes a 17% rise in electric distribution rates, which would make these rates 58% higher than in 2020 and 129% higher than in 2012, the year Exelon acquired BGE. While BGE asserts the increase is necessary to maintain a safe and reliable system, the OPC contends that a portion of the requested funds is intended to boost the utility's allowed return on equity for shareholders, from 9.5% to 10.4%, rather than solely for system maintenance.
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Maryland Utilities Propose Cuts to EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Program, Sparking Debate Over Long-Term Costs

Maryland Utilities Propose Cuts to EmPOWER Energy Efficiency Program, Sparking Debate Over Long-Term Costs

Maryland's electric utilities have submitted proposals to reduce the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program, potentially saving residential customers up to $9 a month on their electric bills starting in January. These proposals follow a temporary legislative reduction of the program earlier this year aimed at offsetting high electric bills. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) is now evaluating how significantly to cut the program, having requested both aggressive and less aggressive options from each utility. Exelon, which owns Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), Pepco, and Delmarva Power, is advocating for deeper cuts, citing the need to offer customers immediate relief. However, these proposed savings coincide with other rate increase requests from the same utilities, which could negate any benefits from EmPOWER reductions.
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Maryland Braces for Severe Storms and Heat Through Friday

Maryland Braces for Severe Storms and Heat Through Friday

Maryland is under a First Alert Weather Day due to a combination of heat and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms. High temperatures are holding in the 80s°F (27-30°C) across Central Maryland, accompanied by muggy conditions following earlier rainfall (CBS News Baltimore, 2026-09-03). Thunderstorms are expected to develop later this evening, with the possibility of damaging winds. Another round of organized storms is forecasted for Friday afternoon and evening as a strong cold front approaches. The cold front is expected to cross the state by late Friday night, bringing cooler and more comfortable air from the north and northwest.
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BGE Proposes 17% Electric Rate Hike, Raising Concerns Over Profit vs. Customer Benefit

BGE Proposes 17% Electric Rate Hike, Raising Concerns Over Profit vs. Customer Benefit

BGE Proposes 17% Electric Rate Hike, Raising Concerns Over Profit vs. Customer Benefit
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Heat Advisory Issued for Washington, D.C. Region

Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Heat Advisory Issued for Washington, D.C. Region

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia on Wednesday. The region is experiencing hot and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching around 90°F (32°C) and heat index values exceeding 100°F (37.8°C). Additionally, a Heat Advisory is active for parts of Virginia, including Spotsylvania and Culpeper counties, where heat index values could climb to 109°F (42.8°C). The advisory is in place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. A backdoor cold front may trigger isolated thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
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Heat and Severe Storms Expected in Maryland Through Friday

Heat and Severe Storms Expected in Maryland Through Friday

A First Alert Weather Day remains active for the Baltimore area and surrounding regions in Maryland due to high temperatures and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms. Central Maryland is experiencing muggy conditions with temperatures in the 80s°F (approximately 27-30°C). Thunderstorms are expected to develop later this evening, with damaging winds being a possibility. Another First Alert Day is forecasted for Friday, with more organised storms anticipated in the afternoon and evening as a cold front approaches. The cold front is expected to cross the state by late Friday night, bringing cooler and more comfortable air.
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Heat and Severe Storms Expected Across Maryland Through Friday

Heat and Severe Storms Expected Across Maryland Through Friday

A First Alert Weather Day remains in effect for the Baltimore area and much of Maryland due to high heat and the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms. Central Maryland, including the Eastern Shore, will experience muggy conditions with high temperatures in the 80s°F (27-30°C) this afternoon. Thunderstorms are expected to develop later in the evening, with the possibility of damaging winds. Another First Alert Day is forecasted for Friday, as a cold front approaches, bringing more organized storms in the afternoon and evening. By late Friday night, the cold front will move through the state, ushering in cooler and more comfortable air for the weekend.
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BGE Proposes 17% Electric Rate Hike in Maryland, Sparking Consumer Concerns

BGE Proposes 17% Electric Rate Hike in Maryland, Sparking Consumer Concerns

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) has proposed an increase of approximately 17% to its electric distribution rates. This request, if approved, would lead to BGE's electric distribution rates being 58% higher than they were in 2020 and 129% higher since Exelon Corp. acquired BGE in 2012. The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC), an independent state agency representing residential utility customers, has published a consumer guide detailing the proposed hike. BGE is seeking to collect an additional $156.1 million from customers, which would raise the residential electric distribution rate from 4.9 cents per kilowatt-hour to 5.8 cents, and increase the flat monthly customer charge from $10 to $11. For an average household using 900 kilowatt-hours a month, the OPC estimates this would result in an increase of about $8.58 per month, or roughly $103 annually. BGE, however, assumes lower average usage and estimates a smaller impact. The proposed increase specifically targets the distribution portion of the bi...
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Waldorf Man Charged with Vehicle Theft and Rogue-and-Vagabond Offenses

Waldorf Man Charged with Vehicle Theft and Rogue-and-Vagabond Offenses

Xavier Zarin Fowler, a 24-year-old man from Waldorf, Maryland, has been arrested and charged with misdemeanor theft and rogue-and-vagabond offenses. Charles County sheriff’s deputies apprehended Fowler after home surveillance video allegedly captured him attempting to open car door handles in a Pomfret neighborhood. The investigation began on August 17 when a suspicious person was reported pulling on vehicle door handles. Upon arrival, an officer found a gray Nissan Altima running with its driver-side window slightly open and a tray of coins inside. A resident reported seeing a man in dark clothing heading towards a wooded area. Shortly after, Fowler emerged from the direction of Marshall Corner Road, claiming the Nissan was his and that he was visiting people nearby, though he couldn't provide an exact address. He also stated his car wouldn't restart if turned off. Further investigation revealed that the resident Fowler claimed to visit did not know him. Surveillance footage from another resident's Ring c...
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Governor Wes Moore Appoints Kendra Young Ausby to Appellate Court of Maryland

Governor Wes Moore Appoints Kendra Young Ausby to Appellate Court of Maryland

Governor Wes Moore has announced the appointment of Kendra Young Ausby to the Appellate Court of Maryland, At-Large. Governor Moore expressed his honor in appointing Judge Ausby, citing her extensive legal expertise and dedication to her community. He stated his confidence that Judge Ausby will uphold justice and serve the state effectively in her new role. Kendra Young Ausby currently serves as an Associate Judge on the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, a position she has held since 2010. In this capacity, she has presided over a wide array of cases, including medical malpractice, custody disputes, delinquency matters, and constitutional criminal procedure. Judge Ausby has also held leadership roles, serving as the Judge in Charge of the Family/Domestic Division and handling special assignments for Child Victims’ Act cases. Her prior experience includes serving as Principal Counsel for the Courts and Judicial Affairs Division of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and as an Assistant Attorney Gene...