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You may notice that the EmPOWER surcharge on your energy bills—which funds important energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction programs that can save you money—has recently increased. This change is due to a 2022 decision by the Public Service Commission that ultimately will save utility customers millions by eliminating a large unpaid balance on which the utilities have been earning returns.
The unpaid balance on which customers have been paying the utilities a return is similar to carrying credit card debt and paying interest on it. As the balance is paid down, the Commission’s decision will lead to temporary increases in the EmPOWER surcharge for customers of BGE, Delmarva Power & Light, Pepco, Potomac Edison, SMECO, and Washington Gas Light through 2026. But after 2026, the surcharge will be lower than it would have been without this Commission decision.
Learn more.
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Confused or have questions about how to read your gas and/or electric bill? We will walk through utility bills line-by-line, explaining what each charge is for and what you can control each month.
If you missed the BGE, Delmarva Power and Pepco session, you can watch it on our YouTube channel.
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To help you figure out whether an appliance is energy efficient, the federal government requires most appliances to display the bright yellow and black EnergyGuide label. Although these labels will not show you which appliance is the most efficient on the market, they will show you the annual energy consumption and operating cost for each appliance so you can compare them yourself.
Learn more about how to read this label.
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Step 1: Get a home energy audit.
Step 2: Find a trusted contractor.
Step 3: Figure out how to finance the upgrades.
Financing your journey to a fully electrified home can be costly. But, between new funding sources available through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), existing government programs, and low-interest financing for measures that reduce carbon emissions, homeowners are in a better position than ever to make these improvements.
IRA:
Existing government programs:
Low-interest financing:
To find low-interest financing, check with your local credit unions and your bank as many institutions are rewarding homeowners who cut their emissions with lower rates.
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On January 24, 2024, Easton Utilities Commission filed with the Public Service Commission of Maryland for authority to increase its rates for electric service by approximately $4.4 million per year, and by $520,000 per year for gas service effective February 23, 2024.
Read the order for details.
An evening hearing for receiving public comments on Easton’s proposed rate increases. Please direct any questions about the public hearing to psc.pulj@gmail.com.
April 23, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Easton Town Hall
14 S. Harrison Street
Easton, MD 21601
The hearing will begin with a presentation by Easton.
Written comments may be submitted electronically or by first-class mail on or before May 10, 2024. For more information on how to submit written comments, read the order.
Want tips on how to participate?
Read our public participation guide to feel prepared.
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For questions or assistance, contact Brandi Nieland, Director of Consumer Assistance at brandi.nieland@maryland.gov. |
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Your People's Counsel is David S. Lapp. Our team is here to help and advocate for you. We represent Maryland residential customers before the Public Service Commission and federal agencies, and we provide you assistance dealing with your utility issues, including affordable and reliable service.
To see what OPC is currently working on, click here for our recent press releases or click here for our media coverage.
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