Maryland Approves Energy Bill Savings, But BGE Warns More Action Needed

Legislation aims to lower energy bills by $150 annually, but utility says bigger fixes are required to address rising costs.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:42pm

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A minimalist composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, yellow, and red, conceptually representing the energy supply and demand challenges facing Maryland.A geometric illustration representing the complex interplay of energy supply, demand, and infrastructure in Maryland.Baltimore Today

The Maryland General Assembly has passed legislation that will lower energy bills for residents by reducing the Empower energy efficiency surcharge. While praising the bill's passage, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is warning that the savings could be short-lived if more actions aren't taken to increase in-state energy generation and reduce reliance on out-of-state power sources.

Why it matters

Maryland residents have been grappling with rising utility costs, and this legislation is an attempt to provide some relief. However, BGE argues that more fundamental changes are needed to the state's energy infrastructure to truly address the underlying cost drivers.

The details

The new legislation will lower the Empower energy efficiency surcharge on monthly bills, resulting in an estimated $150 annual savings for consumers. BGE supports the bill but says it's not enough, calling for the state to allow utility companies to build their own energy projects to increase in-state generation and reduce reliance on out-of-state power sources, which have seen skyrocketing supply costs.

  • The Maryland General Assembly passed the energy bill savings legislation in the final days of the legislative session in 2026.

The players

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)

A major utility company serving the Baltimore metropolitan area and central Maryland.

Brittany Jones

Vice president at Baltimore Gas and Electric.

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What they’re saying

“We think that we need more in-state generation because having this dependency on Pennsylvania that we can keep tapping into their generation just isn't realistic.”

— Brittany Jones, Vice president, Baltimore Gas and Electric

“BGE is absolutely at the table, willing to be a partner to help the state and our customers. We know that if we get more generation in the state and even within PJM, that's going to reduce those supply costs that we have seen skyrocket.”

— Brittany Jones, Vice president, Baltimore Gas and Electric

What’s next

BGE has indicated it will continue to advocate for policy changes that allow utility companies to build their own energy projects in Maryland, in an effort to increase in-state generation and reduce reliance on out-of-state power sources.

The takeaway

While the new legislation provides some relief for Maryland residents facing rising utility costs, BGE argues that more fundamental changes to the state's energy infrastructure are needed to truly address the underlying cost drivers. The utility is calling for policies that enable it and other providers to invest in new in-state generation capacity.