Maryland Regulators Confront Rising Utility Rate Hike Requests Despite New Reform Legislation
Maryland energy regulators are actively pushing back against significant rate increase requests from major utility companies, even after the implementation of the Utility RELIEF Act. The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently reduced Pepco's proposed rate hike from over $119 million to $50.9 million, which will still result in a monthly increase of less than $4 for ratepayers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, a substantial reduction from the initially requested $10.24. Similarly, a requested $82.5 million increase from Washington Gas was cut to $38 million. Currently, the PSC is reviewing a $156.1 million rate increase request from Baltimore Gas & Electric and a $52.8 million request from Potomac Edison. Niki Wiggins, director of legislative affairs and policy adviser for the Maryland Public Service Commission, emphasized that rate increases must be 'fair and justified,' and the commission meticulously scrutinizes all proposals to ensure only reasonable and necessary costs are approved. These e...
