Bill > HB960

This bill establishes new restrictions and reporting requirements for investor-owned electric, gas, and combination gas and electric companies regarding their cost recovery and financial transparency. The legislation prohibits these public service companies from recovering through customer rates various expenses related to lobbying, political activities, advertising, and corporate entertainment. Specifically, the bill prevents companies from charging ratepayers for membership dues to trade associations, political campaign activities, advertising aimed at promoting services or influencing public opinion, travel and entertainment expenses for board members and officers, gifts, and aircraft usage. The companies must also provide detailed annual reporting to the Public Service Commission, including itemized costs associated with these activities, employee information related to such efforts, payments to third-party vendors, and specific details about advertising and legislative engagement. Companies can only recover certain advertising and investor relations costs if they can demonstrate direct benefit to ratepayers and prove the expenses are in the public interest. The bill defines "lobbying or political activities" broadly, covering actions that attempt to influence legislation, elections, appointments, and public opinion at state, county, and municipal levels. The new requirements will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving companies time to adjust their financial practices and reporting mechanisms.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0960?ys=2025RS