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Maryland Public Service Commission Terminates Multi-Year Rate Plan Pilot Program for Utilities

Maryland Public Service Commission Terminates Multi-Year Rate Plan Pilot Program for Utilities

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has officially ended its Multi-Year Rate Plan (MRP) pilot program, citing a failure to achieve its intended goals and a lack of clear customer benefits. The program, initially established for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), and later adopted by Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) and Delmarva Power & Light Company, allowed utility rates to be set based on forecasted projects and anticipated spending rather than on actual, proven investments. According to Maryland People’s Counsel David S. Lapp, MRPs led to increased complexity in rate cases, higher administrative burdens, and frustrated regulatory oversight, ultimately resulting in customers paying more compared to standard ratemaking. The PSC's order, issued after multiple rounds of stakeholder comments and a legislative-style hearing, concluded that the framework, while shortening cost-recovery periods for utilities, did not produce measurable benefits for ratepayers, nor did it advance the state's energy...
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White House Criticizes Maryland and Virginia Governors Over ICE Cooperation and Mask Bans

White House Criticizes Maryland and Virginia Governors Over ICE Cooperation and Mask Bans

President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, has sharply criticized Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for their recent actions concerning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Homan stated that ICE is continuing its enforcement surge in Virginia and Maryland. Governor Moore signed a new law banning law enforcement officers, including federal agents like ICE, from wearing masks or face coverings, which Homan dismissed as ineffective against federal operations. In Virginia, Governor Spanberger is criticized for not honoring ICE immigration detainers, preventing state troopers from collaborating with ICE on arresting violent criminals, and effectively ending local 287(g) agreements. Homan accused Spanberger of betraying taxpayers and prioritizing politics over public safety, citing instances where violent criminals released from custody have allegedly committed further crimes.
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Technovate Enhances Home Automation and Residential IT Services in Maryland

Technovate Enhances Home Automation and Residential IT Services in Maryland

Technovate Enhances Home Automation and Residential IT Services in Maryland
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Wealthy Individuals Utilize Tax Loophole to Reduce Tax Bills to Zero

Wealthy Individuals Utilize Tax Loophole to Reduce Tax Bills to Zero

Wealthy Individuals Utilize Tax Loophole to Reduce Tax Bills to Zero
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Exelon to Return $160 Million in Tax Refunds to Maryland Ratepayers Following Court Ruling

Exelon to Return $160 Million in Tax Refunds to Maryland Ratepayers Following Court Ruling

Exelon, the parent company of BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco, has committed to returning $160 million in state-issued tax refunds to its Maryland customers. This decision follows a Maryland Supreme Court ruling that sided with Potomac Edison in a lawsuit against the state. Potomac Edison had argued for an exemption from Maryland's sales tax on purchases of transmission and distribution equipment. The court agreed, stating that transmission-owning utilities qualify for a production sales tax exemption and that the state must refund wrongful payments. The total state payout, including interest, is estimated to be around $280 million. Exelon's share of this refund is $160 million, with $110 million allocated to BGE, $20 million to Delmarva Power, and $30 million to Pepco. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, while disagreeing with the ruling, called on utilities to return these refunds to their customers, asserting that the money belongs to ratepayers as taxes are recovered through customer rates.
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BGE Customers to Receive Estimated $110 Million in State Tax Refunds Following Court Ruling

BGE Customers to Receive Estimated $110 Million in State Tax Refunds Following Court Ruling

Customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) are expected to share in an estimated $110 million in state tax refunds. This development follows a Supreme Court of Maryland ruling in July, which determined that certain equipment used for transmitting and distributing electricity is exempt from state sales tax. The Office of the Comptroller of Maryland announced on Friday that it will refund an estimated $250 million to utilities, including BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco, all owned by Exelon Corp. BGE anticipates $110 million will be allocated to its customers, while Delmarva Power customers are expected to receive $20 million, and Pepco customers $30 million. The Public Service Commission will determine the specific amounts and timing of these refunds after the state processes the money. Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, despite disagreeing with the court's interpretation of Maryland's tax law, has called on utilities to pass these refunds on to consumers as credits, asserting that the money belongs to ratepay...
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Maryland Utilities to Refund $160 Million in Tax Savings to Customers, Address Data Center Energy Costs

Maryland Utilities to Refund $160 Million in Tax Savings to Customers, Address Data Center Energy Costs

Maryland Utilities to Refund $160 Million in Tax Savings to Customers, Address Data Center Energy Costs
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Maryland Utility Companies Seek Regulatory Approval for $160 Million in Tax Refunds to Customers

Maryland Utility Companies Seek Regulatory Approval for $160 Million in Tax Refunds to Customers

Maryland utility companies Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Delmarva Power, and Pepco are seeking regulatory approval to distribute $160 million in tax refunds to their customers. This initiative follows a summer court ruling that mandated the state to return $250 million to these energy companies. The proposed refunds include $110 million for BGE customers, $20 million for Delmarva Power customers, and $30 million for Pepco customers, as stated by the Exelon-owned companies. The Public Service Commission, an independent state agency responsible for regulating the utility industry, will review the proposal to determine the timing, structure, and allocation of these refunds. A spokesperson for BGE, Nick Alexopulos, indicated that it is currently too early to specify the exact amount each customer would receive. BGE expressed hope that these tax savings would offer relief to customers facing increased energy costs. This development occurs while BGE is also pursuing an $8 per month increase in electricity ra...
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BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco Seek Regulatory Approval to Deliver $160 Million in Tax Savings to Maryland Customers

BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco Seek Regulatory Approval to Deliver $160 Million in Tax Savings to Maryland Customers

BGE, Delmarva Power, and Pepco Seek Regulatory Approval to Deliver $160 Million in Tax Savings to Maryland Customers
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Maryland Power Companies Seek Approval to Refund $160 Million in Tax Savings to Customers

Maryland Power Companies Seek Approval to Refund $160 Million in Tax Savings to Customers

Utility companies Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Delmarva Power, and Pepco are seeking regulatory approval to return $160 million in tax refunds to their customers in Maryland. This initiative follows a summer court ruling that mandated the state to repay $250 million to these energy companies. The proposed refunds include $110 million for BGE customers, $20 million for Delmarva Power customers, and $30 million for Pepco customers. The Public Service Commission, an independent state agency responsible for regulating the utility industry, will review the proposal to determine the timing, structure, and allocation of these refunds. While the companies have expressed that it is too early to specify the exact amount each customer will receive, BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos confirmed the ongoing review. This move comes as BGE is also seeking to increase its customers' electricity rates by $8 a month, citing the need to maintain a safe and reliable system, a proposal currently under review by state regulat...
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Maryland flag football rankings: USA TODAY Sports Super 10, Week 2

Maryland flag football rankings: USA TODAY Sports Super 10, Week 2

Flag football in Maryland is entering Week 2. Here's an updated look at the state's Super 10.
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Maryland State Department of Education Seeks Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist to Enhance Statewide Framework

Maryland State Department of Education Seeks Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist to Enhance Statewide Framework

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is actively seeking an Early Childhood Professional Learning Specialist. This role is crucial for the statewide implementation, administration, and daily operations of Maryland’s Professional Learning Approval and Compliance Framework. The specialist will report to the Director of Early Learning, Instruction, and Workforce Advancement, guiding and supporting the branch’s professional learning and training approval processes. Key responsibilities include providing technical assistance for the development, facilitation, and evaluation of professional learning experiences—both in-person and virtual—that align with Maryland's Professional Learning Framework, Learning Forward Standards, High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), the science of reading, early mathematics, and CLASS. The position also involves ensuring consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations across the state for Professional Learning Organizations (PLO) and Professiona...