Maryland Households to Receive Energy Rebates in August or September

Strategic Insights -

Maryland households are expected to receive energy rebates in August or September, a delay from the initially projected July timeline. The rebates, authorized by legislators as part of the Next Generation Energy Act, aim to provide relief to customers affected by high energy bills this winter. The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has selected a plan to distribute the refunds, with the first round expected to average around $80 per household for the year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has chosen a plan to distribute the energy rebates, which will be based on a customer's usage over a year, with those who use more energy getting a larger rebate.
  • The PSC directed utilities to distribute 25% of the money evenly across all ratepayers, ensuring all customers receive a baseline amount.
  • The rebates will show up as credits on ratepayers' bills, and customers will have the option to donate their rebate to others through initiatives like the Fuel Fund of Maryland or SMECO's Members Helping Members program.
  • The PSC advised utilities to explore ways for customers to refuse the rebate and send it instead to other customers who receive bill assistance from the state.
  • Households affected by high energy bills this winter, particularly those in areas with limited access to energy resources, will benefit from the rebates.
  • Senate President Bill Ferguson emphasized the importance of the rebates, highlighting that the high temperatures and resulting impact on people's bills have created a "double hit" for Maryland families.

Statistics:

  • The Maryland Public Service Commission expects the first round of rebates to be distributed in August or September.
  • The total payments are expected to average around $80 per household for the year.
  • 25% of the money will be distributed evenly across all ratepayers to ensure a baseline amount.
  • The Next Generation Act authorized $200 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to pay the rebates.
  • Electricity rates are poised to increase for the delivery year that began in June, with BGE having the highest increases.

Sources:

  • Maryland Public Service Commission (https://www.psc.state.md.us/wp-content/uploads/MD-PSC-Sets-Plan-to-Distribute-Legislative-Refund-Act-Money_06272025.pdf)
  • Maryland Matters (https://marylandmatters.org/dsc_0305-2/)
  • Maryland Gazette Legislation (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0937)