Bill > HB1535

This bill eliminates a specific surcharge on electric and gas company customer bills that was previously used to fund energy efficiency and conservation programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The bill removes provisions that allowed the Maryland Public Service Commission to implement a surcharge line item on customer bills to: recover costs of energy efficiency programs, pay down unpaid program costs by 2032, provide financial incentives or penalties to utility companies, and disclose surcharge details to customers. The bill maintains the Commission's overall goal of promoting energy efficiency and ensuring that customer choice programs do not negatively impact greenhouse gas reduction targets. Additionally, the bill removes language that previously allowed the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to offset electricity rate surcharges. The legislation is being introduced as an emergency measure, which means it will take effect immediately upon enactment and requires support from three-fifths of the members of each legislative house. The key motivation appears to be reducing additional costs for utility customers by eliminating the mandated surcharge.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1535?ys=2025RS