By Carol Frazier Ocean Pines, Maryland
Utility bills are a fact of life for all Maryland families, and for many of those families, they are a major budget item. I was shocked when I read recently that many families have experienced an incredible increase in their electricity bills - some by as much as 100%. This is just crazy and something I have never heard of.
There are many factors that contribute to the electricity rates established by the Maryland Public Service Commission, but I believe you would be hard-pressed to find even one rate payer who can tell you what those factors may be.
The Maryland Public Service Commission is funded by Maryland taxpayers and is therefore answerable to said taxpayers. It just stands to reason that when the PSC is considering electricity rates, the first and foremost criteria should be the reliability of the different sources of electricity followed closely by the cost of each.
Senator Mary Beth Carozza is one of the sponsors of Senate Bill 675 (cross-filed with House Bill 1149) entitled “Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation”. This legislation, if passed, would require the Public Service Commission to conduct an analysis of the full costs and benefits of sources of electricity generation in the State; and also require the Commission to include recommended policy changes to support the development of energy sources with the lowest costs and greatest benefits to the ratepayers of the State; and would require the Commission to report its findings to certain committees of the General Assembly by December 1, 2026.
Sounds like a really good idea.
The bill can be read in its entirety at mgaleg.maryland.gov.
Please contact your legislators and let them know you like this legislation and request they vote in favor.
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