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Marylanders will be paying over $1.3 BILLION in future decades for transmission lines largely driven by data center growth in neighboring states. It’s the "tip of the iceberg." As data centers proliferate, Maryland residential customers might be saddled with the costs of infrastructure to supply demand they didn't create.
The Maryland Office of People’s Counsel is engaged at the state and federal levels to protect you from bearing these costs. Knowledge is power! Stay informed on how the grid is changing and what it means for your monthly budget.
Read the latest report from OPC on data centers and how that impacts your bill.
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Pepco
Pepco has filed a request with state regulators for a major distribution rate increase. If approved in full, here is what the breakdown would look like this coming year:
- Summer rates: 15% increase (5 months/year)
- Winter rates: 33% increase (7 months/year)
- Total weighted average: A 23% hike overall.
This isn’t a one-time jump. If this plan is approved as it stands, distribution rates will have skyrocketed by 63% since 2020 and a staggering 132% since 2016.
Keep an eye on the Public Service Commission proceedings to see how this impacts your monthly budget and look out for an opportunity for public comment.
Learn more here.
Curious how rates have changed over the years? Check out this breakdown.
Washington Gas and Light
WGL has officially submitted an application to the Maryland Public Service Commission (Case No. 9849) seeking to increase its annual distribution revenues by $82.5 million.
- WGL is proposing to increase distribution rates for those who heat their homes with gas by approximately 19.2%.
- WGL is proposing to increase distribution rates for those who do NOT heat their homes with gas by approximately 26%.
Keep an eye on the Public Service Commission proceedings to see how this impacts your monthly budget and look out for an opportunity for public comment.
You can track the official filings and upcoming hearing dates here.
Curious how rates have changed over the years? Check out this breakdown.
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- What are residential & community solar?
- How does solar work?
- How can I afford to get solar?
Get your solar questions answered from our in-house expert. Join us March 16th 12-12:30PM.
Sign up here.
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Between July and mid-November 2025, at least 140 people contacted the Consumer Affairs Division at the Public Service Commission (PSC) to report serious trouble reaching BGE. Most complaints focused on extremely long hold times and a callback system that didn't work. In response, the PSC held a hearing on December 17, 2025. As a result of that hearing, the PSC issued an order with several directives.
One of those directives focuses on protecting customers while BGE fixes the problems with its call center and callback system. The PSC has ordered a temporary stop on all collection activities.
Effective immediately until February 28, 2026:
- BGE cannot send out new late payment notices.
- BGE cannot try to collect overdue money.
- BGE cannot shut off your power for not paying your bill.
Important: You are still responsible for paying for the energy you use during this time. The Commission might end this pause before February 28, 2026, if BGE fixes the issues, or the PSC may extend the pause if the PSC decides an extension is necessary.
Read the order and learn about the other directives.
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This Valentine's Day, fall in love with... lower utility bills?
Forget the chocolates! How about a tax break? February 14-February 16 is Shop Maryland Energy Weekend!
Maryland is giving you a "sweetheart deal" by waiving the sales tax on qualifying ENERGY STAR appliances. Whether you’re upgrading your washer or finally grabbing that programmable thermostat, now is the time to buy.
What’s tax-free?
- Refrigerators, washers, & dryers
- Heat pumps & furnaces
- AC units & dehumidifiers
- Light bulbs & thermostats
Bonus: Solar water heaters are tax-free all year long!
Treat your home (and your wallet) to an upgrade. Shop in-store or online and save!
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If you’ve had sticker shock from your recent utility bills, you’re not alone. Most utility customers have seen substantial increases in their monthly bills in recent years—an experience that can be exacerbated by high energy usage amid cold temperatures.
Get the facts and find help here:
BGE customers
Delmarva Power customers
Pepco customers
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As of February 1, 2026, BGE has officially raised its gas and electric distribution rates again. This rate change increases the "delivery" portion of your bill, the cost BGE charges to bring energy to your home.
Why this matters right now:
- Cold weather: We are currently in the cold months of the year. When temperatures drop, we naturally crank the heat, causing energy consumption to skyrocket.
- Higher costs per unit: Because rates have increased, every therm of gas and kilowatt-hour of electricity you use now costs more than it did last month.
- The result: Between the cold weather and the new rate hike, many Maryland households should prepare for higher bills this month.
Read our press release to learn more about why this is happening and what is being done about it.
How to protect your wallet
- Watch the thermostat: If your health allows, keep it at 68°F during the day and lower it at night.
- Seal the leaks: Use heavy curtains or weatherstripping to keep the heat you’re already paying for from escaping.
- Monitor in real-time: Use the BGE app to track your daily usage so you aren't blindsided when the bill arrives.
Learn about programs that can lower your energy usage.
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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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