Latest news with #RatepayerProtectionAct
CBS News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Baltimore City, County residents share thoughts on energy costs, crime, local services in UMBC poll
Baltimore City and County residents shared their thoughts on quality of life issues, government services and local amenities in a recent UMBC poll. The poll surveyed 642 adults in Baltimore City and 628 adults in Baltimore County between April 1 and April 6. About 82% of Baltimore City residents and 79% of Baltimore County residents considered the cost of household energy bills as a major issue in their communities, the survey found. Recently, Maryland lawmakers and local leaders have taken action to address the rise in energy costs. In February, the Baltimore City Council called on the Public Service Commission to stop Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)'s rate hikes planned for 2026. During the 2025 legislative session, Maryland lawmakers introduced several bills to address rising utility costs. The Ratepayer Protection Act would require energy companies to lower spending on pipelines, and the Climate Solutions Affordability Act would allow climate requirements to only be carried out if they are affordable. Neither bill passed. Crime and public safety were major issues for 83% of Baltimore City residents compared to 68% of Baltimore County residents, according to the poll. Despite the majority of city residents considering crime a concern, violent crime has dropped in the city so far this year. As of April 1, homicides are down 22% and non-fatal shootings are down 28% compared to 2024, Baltimore City data shows. According to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott , violent crime is down 20% and robberies are down 22%. The mayor credits the city's violence prevention plan for the drop in crime rates. The poll also questioned city and county residents on their satisfaction with local government services like K-12 schools, emergency services and infrastructure maintenance. About 23% of city residents and 36% of county residents were satisfied with K-12 schools. Nearly 58% of city residents and 77% of county residents were satisfied with the responsiveness of emergency services, according to the survey. The survey found that a low number of residents were satisfied with the maintenance of local infrastructure, streets and public spaces, with 24% of city residents and 49% of county residents reporting their satisfaction. Residents were also less than satisfied with policing and the criminal justice system. About 33% of city residents and 57% of county residents were satisfied with public safety in their communities. 29% of city residents reported they were satisfied with the criminal justice system, while 38% of county residents reported their satisfaction. The survey found that many Baltimore City and county residents had a positive outlook on local amenities, including sports venues, outdoor spaces and animal shelters. The survey found that 67% of city residents and 55% of county residents rated local sports venues as good or excellent. 68% of city residents rated arts and music venues highly compared to 44% of county residents. About 63% of Baltimore County residents rated local parks and outdoor spaces highly, compared to 48% of city residents. In both the city and county, 40% of residents believed local animal shelters were excellent or good.
CBS News
28-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland senate advances bill aimed at reducing energy costs
The Maryland Senate has advanced a proposed bill aimed at reducing energy costs for Maryland residents. It's a win for residents and state leaders who have been frustrated by recent energy price hikes. The bill, which combines elements of the Ratepayer Protection Act and Ratepayer Freedom Act with the Next Generation Energy Act, now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Final approval from both chambers is needed by April 7. The legislation would require the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject multi-year rate hikes that don't "demonstrate a definite cost-savings to consumers." It also prohibits utilities from charging ratepayers for certain trade association memberships and private planes. The Ratepayer Protection Act, introduced by Maryland lawmakers earlier this year, aims to address BGE rate increases that have been affecting homeowners and businesses. The bill would require gas companies to prioritize identifying and addressing leaks rather than raising customer rates for pipeline spending. BGE's gas delivery rates have more than tripled since 2010 , while the company's profits increased from $147 million in 2010 to $485 million in 2023, according to the Office of the People's Counsel. The Baltimore City Council has expressed support for the Ratepayer Protection Act and planned to hold public hearings addressing high utility costs. Marylanders have struggled with significant energy bill increases, with some reporting $200 jumps between billing cycles. BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopolus said that planned price hikes beginning January 1st should have averaged about $7.77 , with customers expected to see roughly a $26 increase in their monthly bills by June. One Baltimore woman told WJZ she received a bill of $700 for a one-bedroom home, while a restaurant owner in Butcher's Hill said he saw increases of more than $1,000 over several months. BGE said the bill increases were due to distribution costs (the portion going directly to BGE), a spike in natural gas prices, and an increase in "Empower Maryland" fees set by the state. Maryland Governor Wes Moore told CBS News Baltimore that "the General Assembly needs to provide relief to ratepayers, while also addressing long-term structural problems creating low energy supply in the state." On Thursday, Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen and other leaders held a community walk in East Baltimore to get feedback on the rising Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) utility bills. City leaders are collecting signatures on a petition that calls for the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to stop BGE's planned 2026 utility rate hikes .
CBS News
03-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Harford County proposes 5-year rate increase for sewer, water customers
Harford County is considering a five-year rate increase for water and sewer customers. In legislation introduced last week, county leaders proposed a 4.2% annual rate increase over five years. For the past five years, rates have increased by 4.5% for most residents. Leaders said the proposed rates were decided through a cost-of-service analysis by global consulting firm Arcadis, which has expertise in analyzing water and sewer rates. Harford County's water and sewer system operates as a "non-profit enterprise fund activity," leaders said. This means the services are paid for by users and not taxpayers. Therefore, the rates have to cover all system expenses. According to leaders, rates for Harford County water customers are ranked the third lowest among 12 neighboring water systems. Under the proposed rates, the cost of delivering water to customers is less than 1 cent per gallon, and the total cost of delivery and treatment of wastewater is about 2 cents per gallon, according to county officials. The system's main costs include energy, chemicals, increased regulation and worker costs, which officials said have risen faster than inflation. The cost of maintaining old infrastructure also plays a role. According to officials, the system's efficiency and the county's fiscal management have allowed for the reduced five-year rate increase. The county council is expected to hold hearings on the legislation before voting to finalize the new rate increase schedule. If approved, the new schedule would take effect on July 1, 2025. Rising utility costs The rising costs of utilities have been a major concern for Baltimore-area residents in recent weeks. In January, Baltimore City's spending board approved a three-year rate increase for water and sewer bills. On February 1, 2025, city residents saw a 3% increase in their monthly water bill and a 15% increase in sewer rates. In Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, the rates will increase by 9%. Baltimore's Department of Public Works (DPW) said the increase was necessary to help maintain the city's financial stability and allow for updated infrastructure projects for the water and wastewater systems. At the beginning of the year, many Marylanders also experienced an increase in their gas and electric bills, with some reporting a jump of $200. In early February, BGE halted service disconnections and waived late payment fees to address the "unanticipated high bills." Company officials attributed the high bills to distribution costs, the cost of natural gas and an increase in costs for the state's Empower Maryland program. The skyrocketing energy prices prompted action from some Maryland lawmakers. Since the start of the 2025 legislative session, several bills have been introduced to address the rising costs. The Ratepayer Protection Act would require gas companies to focus on lowering spending on pipelines instead of raising rates for customers. Members of the Maryland Freedom Caucus called attention to the Climate Solutions Affordability Act, which would dictate that certain climate requirements only be met if it is economically practical. The group of GOP lawmakers also called for the Empower Maryland Energy Efficiency Act to be repealed. The legislation was passed in 2008 to offer residents a way to save money on utilities.
CBS News
26-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Marylanders share opinions on healthcare, energy and environment in UMBC poll
A majority of Marylanders who participated in a UMBC survey support expanding different sources of energy such as solar, natural gas and wind energy. It comes as energy prices have become a major concern for residents, business owners and lawmakers. The poll surveyed 803 adults in Maryland between Feb. 11 and Feb. 15. 769 of those Marylanders said they were registered voters. The poll questioned residents on the natural environment, energy sources and healthcare concerns. When asked about supporting or opposing the expansion of energy sources: 80% said they support expanding the use of solar energy 74% said they support expanding the use of natural gas 70% said they support expanding the use of wind energy 68% said they support expanding the use of waste-to-energy 63% said they support expanding the use of geothermal energy 51% said they support expanding the use of nuclear energy 42% said they support expanding the use of coal According to the poll, 59% of surveyed Marylanders said the overall quality of the natural environment is "excellent" or "good," while 40% said the state's environment is "poor" or "fair." Energy concerns in Maryland Energy sources have been a major concern in Maryland so far in 2025. Since the beginning of the year, state leaders and residents have raised concerns about skyrocketing energy bills, while others shared concerns about environmental impacts. The Baltimore City Council recently confronted utility company BGE over its rising energy and gas bills. Councilmembers called on the Public Service Commission - which regulates BGE - to end a multi-year rate pilot and stop rate increases planned for 2026. BGE said bills increased due to rate hikes at the beginning of 2025, distribution costs and increased costs associated with the Empower Maryland program. Some residents and business owners saw their bills increase by about $200. The "unanticipated high bills" prompted BGE to pause service disconnections and waive late payment fees early in the year. Several pieces of legislation have since been introduced as solutions to the rising energy costs, including the Climate Solutions Affordability Act, which would dictate that climate requirements only be carried out if they are economically practical, and the Ratepayer Protection Act which would require gas companies to focus on lowering spending on pipelines. Healthcare concerns in Maryland UMBC's poll also asked Marylanders about urgent healthcare issues in the state. Of the residents surveyed, 37% raised concerns about the cost of care and insurance, 25% raised concerns about chronic health issues, and 12% raised concerns about access to healthcare. According to the poll, 37% of surveyed Marylanders said they, or a member of their household, have avoided seeking medical care in the last year due to the cost. State and local leaders have made efforts in recent years to fund and expand healthcare resources for Marylanders.
CBS News
21-02-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Baltimore leaders, customers confront BGE over rising utility bills
Baltimore leaders and BGE customers confronted the utility company on Thursday over their increasing energy and gas bills. City Council members called on the Public Service Commission to end the multi-year rate pilot and stop BGE's planned 2026 rate increase. "Today, the city council says enough is enough," City Council President Zeke Cohen said. The Public Service Commission, which regulates BGE at a state level, approved the rate increase in 2023, despite opposition from city leaders who argued ratepayers should not have to foot the bill for BGE's gas infrastructure projects. "Those rate increases seem to be far worse than anticipated," Cohen said. Last week, an analysis by the Office of People's Council found massive spending on gas infrastructure is fueling rate hikes, and projected even higher winter bills in the future, if BGE continues its current level of capital investment. "$240 per month in 2022-2024 to $402 per month in 2035," Cohen added. BGE representatives said they h ave to address aging infrastructure, such as cast-iron pipes. The utility company also blames factors outside of its control, including supply, Empower Maryland, which funds efficiency programs, and overall increase in energy use for driving up the bills. "We really are focused on those riskiest assets and safety first," said Dawn White, from BGE. The Office of People's Counsel filed a petition with the Public Service Commission to end certain punitive utility payment practices and give customers more time to seek assistance when they are having trouble paying their bills. "No one can afford this" Baltimore resident Zattura Sims-El tells WJZ she feels like "I'm being held hostage" by the rising rates for energy and gas. The 75-year-old widow, who is on social security and lives alone, saw her BGE bill climb from $390 in November to $780 in December. She said her most recent bill was even higher. "Is $975 and 22 cents," Sims-El said. "There is no way I can afford to pay these bills." Many other BGE customers are also feeling the squeeze in their budget due to higher rates. "No one can afford this," Baltimore resident Kelly Richmond said. Proposed bill addresses BGE price increases A group of Maryland lawmakers proposed legislation to address BGE rate increases. The Ratepayer Protection Act would require gas companies to prioritize lowering spending on pipelines instead of raising rates for customers by identifying and addressing leaks. The bill would change the information required in plans submitted by gas companies to the Public Service Commission for proposed infrastructure replacement projects. Under the proposed bill, plans would need to show that the gas company prioritized projects based on cost-effectiveness and risk to the public. Plans would further need to include an analysis that compares the cost of the project with alternatives and a plan to notify customers impacted by the project at least two years before construction, allowing them a chance to switch to electric. BGE's gas delivery rates have more than tripled since 2010, according to the Office of the People's Counsel (OPC). The company's profits have also more than tripled from $147 million in 2010 to $485 million in 2023, according to the OPC.
