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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

Maryland Watchdog Demands $32 Million Refund from BGE and Delmarva Power Over Alleged Overcollections

Maryland Watchdog Demands $32 Million Refund from BGE and Delmarva Power Over Alleged Overcollections

Maryland's Office of People's Counsel (OPC) is urging the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to compel Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) and Delmarva Power to refund over $32 million to customers. The OPC asserts that these utilities, both subsidiaries of Exelon Corporation, overcollected funds from ratepayers. BGE reportedly overcollected $28 million, while Delmarva Power overcollected $4.27 million, as disclosed in their annual information filings related to multi-year rate plans. People's Counsel David Lapp argues that the PSC established a framework to prevent utilities from profiting at the expense of ratepayers due to inaccurate cost forecasts. The OPC contends that a significant disparity exists between the utilities' revenues and expenses, to the detriment of customers, and therefore, refunds are warranted. However, BGE and Delmarva Power have refused to issue these refunds, citing a provision within the recently enacted Utility Relief Act, which they claim strips the PSC of its authority to o...

Maryland Community Seeks Answers on Emissions from W.R. Grace Plastic Recycling Plant

Maryland Community Seeks Answers on Emissions from W.R. Grace Plastic Recycling Plant

Residents in Howard County, Maryland, specifically in the Cedar Creek and River Hill communities, are demanding transparency regarding emissions from a W.R. Grace plastic recycling pilot plant. The multinational chemical company initiated its pilot program in 2023, and despite meeting state and federal permitting requirements, residents have reported foul odors emanating from the facility. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) granted the necessary air permit, requiring the company to control and monitor for volatile organic compounds and 'forever chemicals,' but an environmental impact assessment was not mandated for the pilot project. W.R. Grace claims some information about its process is proprietary, limiting public access to details about its operations and emissions. Community organizer Shamieka Preston, who lives near the facility, has been actively involved in the Stop Grace Coalition, advocating for accountability. The company states its new recycling method reduces emissions, saves ene...

Maryland Carjacking Suspect Shot by Police After Striking Officer and Vehicles

Maryland Carjacking Suspect Shot by Police After Striking Officer and Vehicles

In Anne Arundel County, Maryland, a carjacking suspect, Jasmin L. Cooper, 28, was shot by police after she allegedly drove toward officers, striking one officer and multiple vehicles. The incident occurred on May 7, following a report of a hit-and-run. Cooper reportedly crashed her car, then forcibly took a vehicle belonging to a family member who had arrived to assist her. Police located Cooper in the stolen vehicle on the 8500 block of Severn. Body camera footage shows officers instructing Cooper to exit the vehicle, but she instead sped away, driving towards the officers. This action prompted officers to discharge their firearms, striking her. Cooper then crashed into another car and attempted to break into an occupied vehicle before being apprehended. Both Cooper and the struck officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment. Cooper faces charges including carjacking, attempted carjacking, multiple counts of reckless endangerment, and first- and second-degree assault.

Maryland Redistricting Amendment Faces Supreme Court Review After Dual Circuit Court Rulings

Maryland Redistricting Amendment Faces Supreme Court Review After Dual Circuit Court Rulings

A legal dispute concerning Maryland's proposed congressional redistricting amendment is advancing to the state's highest court. This development follows two separate rulings by circuit court judges, both of whom determined that the measure should not be included on the November ballot. Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Robert Thompson, appointed by former Republican Governor Larry Hogan, issued a ruling against the ballot question last Wednesday. Judge Thompson cited the legislature's failure to adhere to its own enacted laws, deeming the enactment of HB2100 legally deficient. He also expressed concerns regarding the ballot language. Subsequently, Dorchester County Circuit Judge S. James Sarbanes, appointed by former Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley, also ruled against Question 3. Judge Sarbanes identified issues with the General Assembly's compliance with election law deadlines and stated that the language was misleading, failing to provide voters with adequate information for an informed decision. The...

Howard County Police Conduct Weekend Traffic Initiative, Resulting in 145 Stops and Four DUI Arrests

Howard County Police Conduct Weekend Traffic Initiative, Resulting in 145 Stops and Four DUI Arrests

The Howard County Police Department recently conducted a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) initiative, focusing on the Route 40 corridor. This weekend operation, which received assistance from the patrol division, led to a total of 145 traffic stops. As a result of these stops, officers issued 75 citations, 156 warnings, and 23 safety equipment repair orders. Additionally, six motor vehicle violations were recorded, and four individuals were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The police department emphasized that ensuring safety on county roads is a top priority. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address traffic safety concerns and enforce regulations within Howard County, Maryland. The department encourages residents with traffic-related concerns to report them online.

Kentucky Public Service Commission Investigates Electric and Natural Gas Affordability

Kentucky Public Service Commission Investigates Electric and Natural Gas Affordability

The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC), the regulatory body overseeing utilities in the state, has initiated an investigation into the affordability of electricity and natural gas. This broad examination comes in response to rising utility costs, with electricity prices in Kentucky increasing by nearly 22 percent between 2020 and 2025, according to the Energy Information Administration. The PSC aims to evaluate its current procedures and determine how to improve affordability for ratepayers. As part of this process, the commission is inviting public input and stakeholder participation to identify specific concerns and potential solutions. A technical conference dedicated to the issue is scheduled for 2027, and suggestions for topics to be discussed at this conference must be submitted by September 30.

Maryland Regulators Slash Pepco Rate Increase Request by Over Half, Governor Moore Praises Decision

Maryland Regulators Slash Pepco Rate Increase Request by Over Half, Governor Moore Praises Decision

Maryland Regulators Slash Pepco Rate Increase Request by Over Half, Governor Moore Praises Decision

Maryland Regulators Approve Reduced Pepco Rate Increase, Prioritizing Affordability

Maryland Regulators Approve Reduced Pepco Rate Increase, Prioritizing Affordability

Maryland regulators have approved a significantly reduced rate increase for Pepco customers, cutting the utility's requested revenue increase by more than half. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a $50.9 million revenue increase, substantially less than Pepco's original request of $119.9 million. This decision, which took effect on Friday, means that the average residential Pepco customer will see an additional $3.94 on their monthly bill, rather than the $10.24 increase that would have resulted from Pepco's full request. Specifically, this translates to a 2.25% increase for Montgomery County customers and 2.23% for Prince George’s County customers. The PSC stated its aim was to balance the need for infrastructure investments with customer affordability, denying Pepco's request to include projected costs for inflation, labor, and capital spending. Maryland Governor Wes Moore commended the PSC's judgment, emphasizing that utilities should not earn unreasonable profits while residents stru...

The Mall in Columbia Reverses Course, Removes Paid Preferred Parking Signs

The Mall in Columbia Reverses Course, Removes Paid Preferred Parking Signs

The Mall in Columbia Reverses Course, Removes Paid Preferred Parking Signs

Maryland Counties Block Data Centers, Tech Industry Warns of AI 'Wall'

Maryland Counties Block Data Centers, Tech Industry Warns of AI 'Wall'

Maryland Counties Block Data Centers, Tech Industry Warns of AI 'Wall'

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Moves Preakness Stakes to Sunday for Inclusivity

Maryland Governor Wes Moore Moves Preakness Stakes to Sunday for Inclusivity

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a significant change to the Preakness Stakes, moving the horse race to Sunday starting in 2027. This decision marks the first time since its inception in 1873 that the Preakness will not be held on a Saturday. The primary motivation behind this shift is to allow Baltimore's Orthodox Jewish community to fully participate in the event. For decades, observant Jews have been unable to attend due to the Jewish Sabbath, which runs from sundown Friday until nightfall Saturday, prohibiting activities like driving and conducting business. Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, an Orthodox Jew, highlighted the historical exclusion and the positive impact of this change, noting that families will now be able to travel to Pimlico and experience the race together. The move is part of a broader effort by Governor Moore's administration to secure the future of the Preakness in Baltimore and redevelop Pimlico Race Course.