utility bills
Utility Bill Information for Furloughed Federal Employees
From the Maryland Office of People's Counsel Because the current federal shutdown has lasted longer than 7 consecutive days, protections for certain residential utility customers are now in effect. If you're a government employee in Maryland who has been furloughed without pay because of the government shutdown, you may qualify for protection from having your gas and electric service shut off. This applies whether or not you're still required to report to work during the shutdown. Gas and electric utility companies cannot disconnect your service for nonpayment during the shutdown or for 7 days after it ends as long as ...
Assistance For Utility Bills
If you’ve opened a utility bill lately and felt a wave of frustration, you’re not alone. For many Marylanders, the rising cost of energy isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a crisis. While utility companies rake in profits, people are forced to make impossible choices between heating, cooling, and other essentials. Given the increase in utility bills and summer temperatures, we are happy to share there is some long overdue relief in sight. Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland is launching a $19 million Customer Relief Fund to help low- and middle-income residents cover skyrocketing utility bills. This one-time financial assistance will ...
Contact Your Legislators and Stop Out of Control Utility Bills!
Background In 2013, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to allow gas utilities to add a surcharge to customers' bills as an incentive for utilities to install new pipes– the STRIDE program. As passed, the law does not require utilities to prioritize cost effectiveness nor safety resulting in excessive and wasteful spending. Gas utilities have spent billions on new pipes and equipment, leading to massive rate hikes. Utilities have reaped enormous profits without commensurate community benefits. For example: In 2023 BGE spent about $160 million on its STRIDE plan. After accounting for BGE’s profits and interest, that $160 million will cost ...