Public Service Commission accepts Chesapeake Climate Action Network as intervener in BGE rate case over company objection

The Maryland Public Service Commission on the record accepted multiple interveners in Baltimore Gas and Electric's Case No. 9888, including the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), despite BGE's objection that CCAN's issues relate to future policy rather than the historical accounting at issue.

Daniel Herson, counsel for BGE, told the Commission he did not object to several parties but said the utility was reserving its right "to object at any point in the future to any discovery or testimony that we feel is inappropriate, improper, or outside the bounds of this proceeding." Herson argued CCAN's petition raised policy and planning issues tied to greenhouse-gas laws that he said were not relevant to a historical electric-only test year case.

Commissioner Suchman questioned whether determinations about prudence should consider whether past spending complied with legislative requirements such as the Climate Solutions Now Act and said more information could help the Commission assess prudence. Chair Kumar Barve said the Commission would "accept CCAN as an intervener in this instance" and noted prior precedent for allowing similar organizations to participate. The Commission deferred a decision about a separate group represented by a public commenter pending more information from staff.

Why it matters: Intervener status gives CCAN and other parties the ability to seek discovery and present testimony that can influence the record and, ultimately, how the Commission evaluates costs that feed into proposed rates. Parties and staff emphasized the case's constrained schedule and the need to limit irrelevant discovery.

What's next: The Commission's procedural schedule sets deadlines for testimony and evidentiary hearings through late 2026 and a final order due Jan. 28, 2027.