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Sponsor seeks to consolidate Maryland energy-assistance programs to streamline aid
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Summary
Delegate Fraser Hidalgo told the Environment and Transportation Committee HB 15-16 would fold state and federal utility-assistance programs into a single office to simplify access; advocates urged the change to improve LIHEAP uptake and back-end administration.
Delegate Fraser Hidalgo introduced House Bill 15-16 to consolidate Maryland's fragmented energy-assistance programs under a single office to simplify enrollment and improve delivery to low-income households.
"Marylanders are facing increasingly higher costs for energy," Fraser Hidalgo said, describing the proposal as a consolidation of several programs — LIHEAP, MEAP and other assistance — so recipients would not have to visit multiple places to get help. He told the committee the bill carries no fiscal note and formally presented it.
Bridal Baker, Maryland director of Chesapeake Climate Action Network, testified in support, saying the bill would streamline back-end administration and improve access to additional federal LIHEAP funding. "Anytime that I'm actually out with your constituents talking about my work, before I talk about clean energy, I always talk about utility assistance," Baker told lawmakers.
Committee members did not take further action at the hearing. The measure received no formal questions that altered its scope during the session; the sponsor said he was available to discuss amendments and implementation details with fiscal staff.
Next steps: the bill remained in committee for further consideration; the PSC and fiscal staff will be available for follow-up on administrative implementation if the committee requests it.
