Lawmakers Want Awareness Of Electric Choice

Some Maryland lawmakers want the Public Service Commission to do more to advertise that residents have options in choosing electricity providers.

Delegate Dereck Davis gathered Thursday with leaders from the Retail Energy Supply Association to highlight legislation aimed at boosting public awareness about electricity options.

The measure would require the PSC to advertise how consumers can shop around for companies that can provide cheaper electricity.

Davis has introduced the House bill, while Baltimore City Democratic Senator Catherine Pugh introduced the Senate version.

Davis, a Prince George’s County Democrat who chairs the House Economic Matters Committee, says Maryland hasn’t done a very good job in letting people know what their options are.

The bills were introduced today as a coalition of electric companies and other groups released the results of a voter survey that found a majority favor electricity deregulation, but also a majority were unaware that they could choose their own electricity supplier.

Prince George’s County State Senator Jim Rosapepe told WBAL News the bills would allow utilities to raise electric rates to promote electric choice.

Jay Kooper, president of the Retail Energy Supply Association told WBAL News that Rosapepe’s claim of a rate hike is, “an exaggeration.”

He said the bill would draw money from the existing Public Service Commission budget, which is already funded by surcharges on electric bills.

Kooper said the legislation would require the PSC to have an electricity choice section on the commission’s website, as well as include inserts in consumer electric bills.

Robert Lang and Associated Press

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