(Annapolis, MD) — Governor Wes Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk have announced the Utility RELIEF Act, a legislative package aimed at lowering energy bills for Maryland families by at least $150 a year.
The legislation mobilizes more than $200 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to secure local clean energy, modernize the electric grid and hold utility companies accountable. The bill also introduces guardrails requiring data centers to pay for their own energy infrastructure upgrades rather than passing costs on to ratepayers.
Moore said the rising costs are unacceptable and blamed the Trump administration and regional energy operator PJM for skyrocketing utility bills. "While Washington keeps making life harder for working people, we are staying focused on the issues that matter — lowering costs, making Maryland more affordable, and protecting Maryland families," Moore said.
Among the key provisions, $100 million would be directed back to ratepayers to offset utility fees, and eligible low-income customers could save up to $1,400 per year through a new discounted rate program. The legislation also mandates greater oversight of $3.5 billion in utility spending and eliminates a participation incentive that currently allows utility companies to collect additional profits, saving Maryland families an estimated $20 million annually.
Ferguson called the package a direct response to historic increases in energy consumption, saying Maryland will lead the way in targeting assistance to working families who need it most.
“Fundamentally, the legislative package being announced today is about maximizing savings for working families in the midst of a historic increase in energy consumption in a tightening energy generation market,” said Ferguson.
This story was produced with AI assistance and edited by WEAA Staff.
