Prince George's County Council urges PSC to impose utility price moratorium

Prince George's County officials are taking decisive action to address rising utility costs that have significantly impacted residents. During a recent meeting of the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, a resolution was introduced to request a moratorium on all utility price increases for an indefinite period. This move aims to prompt the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct a thorough review of the factors contributing to these rate hikes.

Committee member Mister Battle outlined the resolution's intent, emphasizing the need for the PSC to evaluate whether the current increases are justified and equitable. He noted that while utilities are prohibited from profiting on the sale of energy, retail suppliers can, and this aspect is under scrutiny as the PSC seeks greater regulatory authority over these private entities.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of utility pricing, which includes both supply and delivery components. The delivery charges cover infrastructure and administrative costs, while state-mandated surcharges address specific programs like infrastructure replacement and energy efficiency initiatives.

Council Chair Burrows echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that constituents have expressed growing concerns over skyrocketing utility bills. He emphasized the importance of involving unbiased experts to assess the fairness of the current pricing structure. Burrows also mentioned a potential amendment from Pepco, suggesting collaboration with the PJM to explore policy mechanisms that could help lower utility rates for county residents.

The committee's resolution reflects a proactive approach to tackling the financial strain on households and ensuring that utility pricing practices are transparent and fair. As the PSC prepares to engage with local officials, the outcome of this initiative could lead to significant changes in how utility rates are determined and managed in Prince George's County.