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September 17, 2025

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How are your gas and electric rates set?

Ever wonder why your gas and electric bills cost what they do? Watch our 30-minute webinar to hear Ryan Hsu, Assistant People’s Counsel, break down how energy rates are set and how those rates end up on your monthly bill.  Watch the webinar.

You can expect a higher electricity bill this fall

Most Maryland customers can expect higher electric bills this fall than last year. The increases result from the 800% price spike in the 2024 “capacity market” auction held by PJM Interconnection, LLC to ensure electric system reliability. Those cost increases are hitting customers at different times depending on their electric utility but are in place now or will be soon for most Maryland customers.

Read more about higher fall bills.

Customer Relief Fund

If you are behind on your utility bills, consider applying to the Customer Relief Fund. The one-time assistance is being distributed by local nonprofits to support those BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power customers most affected by higher energy costs. The funds will be distributed until they are exhausted. Read the announcement here.   TO APPLY:  *FUND FOR BGE CUSTOMERS IS NOW CLOSED* Delmarva Power customers. Pepco customers. Once you are on the website, enter your zip code and follow the prompts to fill in the application.

Have your voice heard

The Public Service Commission holds public hearings to allow utility customers and other interested people an opportunity to provide comments or concerns on a pending case. If you want your voice to be heard, speaking at, or submitting written testimony to, a public hearing is your opportunity.   Learn about upcoming public hearings that might impact you. Gets some tips and guidance on how to participate.

3 steps to keep your lights on if you fall behind

Falling behind on your gas or electric bill can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone, and there’s help available. In this practical 20-minute webinar, we’ll show you 3 steps to take if you fall behind on your energy bills. Don't let high utility costs leave you in the dark. Watch the webinar.

What are my rights as a utility customer?

You have rights as a residential utility consumer in Maryland. These rights are governed and enforced by the Public Service Commission. Check out the link below to learn about your rights around: 

• Applying for utility service
• Payment plans
• Utility terminations
• How the utility can interact with your property
• Termination restrictions for weather

Read about your rights as a utility customer.

For questions or assistance, contact Brandi Nieland, Director of Consumer Assistance at brandi.nieland@maryland.gov.

   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.

Office of People’s Counsel  •  (410) 767-8150 / (800) 207-4055  •  www.opc.maryland.gov