Maryland Regulators Weigh Changes to Utility Surcharges
Business operators in Maryland could see monthly bill adjustments of up to $10 by 2027 depending on the final commission ruling.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Utilities
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Should utility companies prioritize lower monthly bills over funding long-term energy efficiency programs?
Maryland regulators are evaluating two utility-backed proposals to modify the state-mandated EmPOWER Maryland program. The decision will determine future energy efficiency funding and potential monthly savings for customers starting in 2027.
Why it matters
The Utility Relief Act requires a balancing of state energy-saving targets against the financial burden of program surcharges on utility bills. Operators must monitor this transition as it will shift both the cost of electricity and the availability of efficiency-related incentives.
Regulatory review is currently weighing a potential reduction in the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge, with maximum estimated monthly customer savings of $10. The impact on total program spending vs. historical levels remains the central point of contention in current hearings.
The players
Maryland Public Service Commission
The state regulatory authority responsible for setting utility rates and overseeing compliance with energy legislation.
BGE
A major utility provider operating in Maryland that is currently presenting surcharge reduction proposals to regulators.
The details
The Maryland Public Service Commission is reviewing utility scenarios that shift how greenhouse gas reduction goals are funded through the EmPOWER program. One option significantly cuts energy-saving program spending to lower the monthly surcharge, while the other maintains higher efficiency funding at the expense of a smaller surcharge reduction. The outcome dictates the cost structure and rebate availability for businesses reliant on state-sponsored energy-efficiency incentives.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Advocates rally at the BGE Center Plaza office.
December 2026: The Public Service Commission is expected to reach a final decision.
2027-2029: Projected period for potential monthly energy bill savings.
Market Landscape
This regulatory proceeding follows the mandate set by the Utility Relief Act to recalibrate state energy-saving targets and funding mechanisms. It represents a pivot point for utility oversight in Maryland as regulators weigh immediate cost relief against long-term efficiency infrastructure.
Business operators should review their current electricity cost projections for the 2027 fiscal year to account for potential changes to the EmPOWER surcharge. Organizations relying on energy-efficiency rebates should also monitor the December commission decision for changes to program availability.
The takeaway
The pending commission decision will reset the cost of energy efficiency programs in Maryland through 2029. Owners should track the December ruling to determine if current efficiency-linked project budgets remain viable under the adjusted funding structure.
Further reading
For more on how regulatory decisions impact energy overhead, visit Utilities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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Should utility companies prioritize lower monthly bills over funding long-term energy efficiency programs?
