The Public Service Commission of Maryland convened on December 6, 2024, to discuss significant revisions to the regulations governing billing collection and termination practices for utility services. The meeting was prompted by a proposal aimed at enhancing customer protections, particularly during the summer months, which have been identified as potentially hazardous for consumers.

A key speaker highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of existing regulations, noting that the current summertime protocols appear less robust than those in place for winter. The speaker expressed concern that the health risks associated with summer heat waves are often underestimated, paralleling the dangers recognized during colder months. This perspective was supported by discussions with the Department of Health regarding the metrics used to determine when regulatory actions should be initiated.

In response to these concerns, the speaker proposed the formation of a work group, to be supervised by a commission advisor, to thoroughly examine and revise the regulations. The goal is to implement new regulations by the start of the summer season in 2025, ensuring that customer protections are adequately addressed.

Another commission member echoed the need for updates and improvements, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative process to achieve consensus on the proposed changes. While acknowledging that complete agreement may not be possible, the member stressed the necessity of refining the language of the regulations to enhance customer protections.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to move forward with the work group, aiming to address the identified gaps in the current regulations and ensure that consumers are better protected during extreme weather conditions in the future.