Utility Relief Act Passes Maryland House of Representatives

Proposed legislation aims to save Marylanders $12.50 per month on utility bills

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:48am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Utility Relief Act, which would save Marylanders at least $150 per year or $12.50 per month on their utility bills, has passed the Maryland House of Representatives and is now headed to the state Senate. The bill would pull funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide the relief, as residents in areas like Perry Hall have seen their utility costs spike due to a particularly cold winter season.

Why it matters

With the cost of living continuing to rise, any relief on utility bills could provide much-needed financial assistance to Maryland families struggling to make ends meet. However, some residents question whether the proposed $12.50 monthly savings will be enough to make a significant impact.

The details

The Utility Relief Act would save Marylanders at least $150 per year, or $12.50 per month, on their utility bills by tapping into the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. This comes as residents in areas like Perry Hall have seen their utility costs rise sharply, with the average BGE residential gas heating customer using 8% more gas this February compared to last, and the average residential electric heating customer using 10% more electricity.

  • The Utility Relief Act passed the Maryland House of Representatives on March 18, 2026.
  • The bill is now headed to the Maryland Senate for consideration.

The players

Utility Relief Act

Proposed legislation in Maryland that would save residents at least $150 per year, or $12.50 per month, on their utility bills.

Nick Wagner

A Perry Hall, Maryland resident who believes the proposed utility bill savings is "a start, but more would be nice."

Debbie Wilhelm

A Perry Hall, Maryland resident who says "Every little bit helps, and I'll gladly take it."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's something, but more would be nice.”

— Nick Wagner, Perry Hall Resident

“Every little bit helps, and I'll gladly take it. Everybody would feel it's never enough, but any help we can get, I'll be grateful for, that's for sure.”

— Debbie Wilhelm, Perry Hall Resident

What’s next

If the Utility Relief Act passes the Maryland Senate, it will head to Governor Wes Moore's desk to be signed into law.

The takeaway

While the proposed $12.50 monthly savings on utility bills may not be enough to fully address the financial strain many Maryland families are facing, the Utility Relief Act represents a step in the right direction to provide much-needed assistance during a time of rising costs of living.