Fight Back Against Rising Energy Costs!

Skyrocketing energy rates are not inevitable – they are driven by corporate profits. Join the effort to put people first!

Legislature

Change the profit models to put people first:

• Break STRIDE! End the incentives to build new gas pipelines and instead require companies to focus on safety.
• Lower the return on equity (ROE), or the guaranteed profits companies can make off ratepayers. According to Maryland PIRG analysis, the average return on investment in an unregulated market is just over 6%. The national average for utility company return on equity is 9.74%. But Maryland utilities are all asking to increase their ROE to over 10%. The return on equity should be tied to the market and inflation, not shareholder profit goals.

Help struggling ratepayers

• Increase funding and streamline applications for energy assistance programs
• Protect and improve the EMPOWER program, which provides incentives for energy efficiency and weatherization

Protect Maryland’s energy supply

• Support renewable energy, particularly solar and battery storage
• Prohibit data centers from harming communities and draining our energy supply.

Public Service Commission

• Hold utility companies accountable when they submit rate requests to reduce excessive profits – starting with the active rate case from BG&E.
• The PSC should also deny BGE’s dangerous “flex pay” program. Flexpay would allow BGE utility customers to pay for their electricity and gas charges in advance, while giving up important termination protections. Opting into this prepaid payment service will only create more financial stress and increased terminations for financially struggling Marylanders.
• Pass strong regulations on gas line replacement that prioritize safety and restrict profiteering off of ratepayers.
• Carefully scrutinize the Washington Gas and BG&E gas rate cases in 2027.

PJM

• Pass governance reforms to ensure ratepayers and affordability advocates have a meaningful seat at the table.

BGE Customers: Take Action Today!

BGE has a rate request currently before the Public Service Commission. We have significant concerns around their request.

• Our primary concern is simply the continued profit grab the company is seeking at the expense of ratepayers. Roughly 25% of the rate increase is because BG&E is requesting an increase on their profit rate (their Return on Equity). The PSC should reject this profit increase.
• We are strongly concerned about their “Flex Pay” program. Participating customers would have to waive termination protections and face immediate termination if they fall behind on bills.

Join us November 18th at 6:30pm at the Public Service Commission (6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202) for public comments on the rate proposal. If you want to speak, use this portal BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 16th to sign up to testify.

Struggling with your electric bill? Get help!

Energy assistance programs are available

• The Office of Home Energy programs offers three grants; one for heating bills, one for electric assistance, and one for large overdue electric bills. Apply online through the Maryland benefits application portal.
• Households with critical medical needs qualify for expedited assistance by submitting a medical waiver form to their utility company.
• Starting in 2027, income-eligible individuals will automatically receive budget billing; their energy bill will be capped at 6% of their income. The best way to qualify is to apply for energy assistance, as you will then be automatically enrolled in this discounted program by your utility company. More information available here or by contacting your utility company.

Maryland offers three programs for those struggling with energy costs

• Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-eligible homeowners and renters with home energy audits, home insulation, water heater and HVAC upgrades, and lighting retrofits. More information, including how to contact your local weatherization agency to apply, is available here.
• EmPOWER Maryland provides home insulation, water heater and HVAC upgrades,, lighting retrofits, and other efficiency upgrades to income-qualifying households. Go here for more information or to apply.
• Maryland Energy Assistance Program offers grants and home loans to income-eligible homeowners and renters for energy efficiency, weatherization, and water heater and HVAC upgrades. Read more about the different grant programs here.

Enrolling in a local community solar program can provide immediate utility relief – an estimated 10% savings off your energy bill – while supporting renewable energy. Applying requires some research; Delmarva, PEPCO, and Potomac Edison customers can review the list of projects and find one with availability, then reach out to the company directly to enroll. More information is available here!