House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson announced Wednesday that they have reached an agreement on the General Assembly’s major energy package, the Utility RELIEF Act (HB 1532).
In a joint statement, Speaker Peña-Melnyk and President Ferguson said, “We are confident that this agreement will deliver real, immediate relief while making long-term investments in Maryland’s energy future.”
In the short term, officials estimate the bill will save the average household about $150 annually on electric bills, largely through temporary reductions to the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program. Additional savings are expected over time as longer-term policies take effect, with greater relief anticipated for low-income households.
The agreement follows weeks of negotiations after both chambers diverged on many provisions in the bill. Key compromises include a year-long moratorium on the use of forecast test years when determining utility rates while the Public Service Commission studies the practice. Other provisions in the agreement include the prohibition of ratepayers funding salaries for executives of utility companies and efforts to reduce the effects of data centers. The bill also includes investments in solar energy and new oversight of transmission infrastructure.
Senate amendments that would allow gas companies to spread the cost of new line extensions across ratepayers, as well as a renewable energy study, will be removed from the final bill.
The measure must still pass both chambers by Monday at midnight before heading to the Governor for signature.
Maryland Matters – Maryland House and Senate leaders reach a deal on comprehensive energy bill
