Maryland council requests PSC to halt utility rate increases and examine costs

The Prince George's County Council convened on April 15, 2025, for a public hearing focused on the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) budget, with a significant discussion surrounding a resolution aimed at addressing rising utility costs.

The meeting began with a report from the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Energy Committee regarding CR 17 20 25, a resolution that requests the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to impose a moratorium on utility price increases. This resolution seeks to freeze utility rates indefinitely while the PSC conducts a thorough review of the factors contributing to these increases.

During the committee's discussion, it was noted that inflation has risen by approximately 28.2% from 2018 to 2025, significantly impacting the costs of materials, labor, and services that utilities rely on. The committee highlighted that Maryland is part of a broader electrical transmission network, known as the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland interconnection (PJM), which influences utility pricing through wholesale market dynamics.

The committee also discussed various financial assistance programs available to residents, including those offered by state utility companies and nonprofit organizations. An invitation from PSC Chair Fred Hoover for a meeting with the council to address these concerns was mentioned, indicating a willingness for collaboration.

An amendment was proposed to CR 17, requesting that the PSC partner with PJM to explore policy mechanisms that could potentially lower utility rates. This amendment received favorable support, and the committee ultimately voted 5-0 in favor of the resolution as amended.

The meeting concluded with a motion to substitute draft 2 and move forward with draft 1 of the resolution, marking a significant step in the council's efforts to address the financial strain on utility customers in the county. The council's proactive approach reflects ongoing concerns about the impact of rising utility costs on residents.