Maryland House Bill HB967

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/26
• Refer: 2/6/26

Caption

Electric Companies – Environmental Surcharges or Fees – Prohibition on Collection

Impact

If enacted, HB 967 would introduce stricter rules on how and when electric companies can collect environmental surcharges. Specifically, it requires that if the average residential electric bills increase at a rate faster than the consumer price index, the utility companies will not be allowed to collect these surcharges for the subsequent year. This provision aims to provide consumers with more protection against fluctuations in their utility costs, particularly in times of rising living costs.

Summary

House Bill 967 aims to regulate the collection of environmental surcharges or fees by electric companies in Maryland. The bill establishes a framework that prohibits electric companies from imposing these fees in specific circumstances. It requests that the Public Service Commission perform annual calculations regarding changes in residential electric bills and the consumer price index to assess the appropriateness of charging these surcharges. By doing so, the bill seeks to protect consumers from excessive fees tied to utility operations that are intended to support environmental initiatives.

Contention

The bill is expected to generate discussions among stakeholders in the energy sector, as it impacts the financial mechanisms that support environmental initiatives funded through these fees. Advocates for consumer rights may argue that the bill is a necessary step to ensure fair billing practices among utility companies, while some electric companies might argue that such prohibitions could limit their ability to fund important environmental programs effectively. As a result, the bill could lead to a debate over the balance between consumer protection and the ability of utility companies to fulfill environmental commitments.