BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A new Maryland advocacy group, the Maryland Affordability Project, is criticizing state policies for rising electricity prices, asserting that recent legislation has increased costs for consumers. The group’s energy scorecard evaluates seven laws passed between 2023 and 2026, claiming that five of these measures have elevated costs, while two provided temporary relief but merely deferred expenses.
Randy Altschuler, the group’s leader, emphasized the negative impact of such legislation on living costs in Maryland. For instance, a 2023 expansion of the EmPOWER energy efficiency program is blamed for annual spending increases funded by electricity customer surcharges. The 2024 legislation related to EmPOWER and greenhouse gas reductions also incurred costs through utility surcharges.
Though some measures, like a 2025 law offering residential bill credits and the 2026 Utility RELIEF Act, aimed to alleviate financial burdens, the Affordability Project contends they ultimately shift costs rather than address the root affordability issues.
Altschuler underscores that state mandates are exacerbating the problem and advocates for Maryland generating more of its own electricity. The group criticized the 2025 and 2026 transfers of over $500 million from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) to meet broader budget needs, arguing these funds should support energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
In response, Gov. Wes Moore’s office linked budget challenges to federal actions under the Trump Administration that hampered clean energy projects in Maryland. Altschuler insists that while renewable energy is vital, policymakers must prioritize affordability alongside environmental goals.
Moore’s office asserts that it is possible to achieve both affordability and clean energy investments without increasing taxes or fees. Looking ahead to the next legislative session, Altschuler hopes lawmakers will prioritize affordability in energy policy decisions.
