Frustrated by a recent court ruling, the Maryland Office of People?s Counsel wants Baltimore Circuit Judge Albert Matricciani Jr. to clarify his May 30 decision that gave the Maryland Public Service Commission the option of requiring Baltimore Gas and Electric to extend rate caps set to expire June 30.
The People?s Counsel said the option given should have been the one selected by the Public Service Commission, which instead decided to allow an initial 21 percent of the 72 percent BGE rate increase to take effect on July 1.
“We?re concerned that if this authority exists, it be exercised in favor of residential ratepayers,” said Patricia Smith, the People?s Counsel.
The People?s Counsel is an independent state agency that represents residential customers of regulated utility services, including electric, gas, telecommunications and water.
“In our research, we have been unable to find any legal authority that would mandate or even allow the PSC to extend, even temporarily, the rate caps,” Smith said.
“We need clarification from the court on this crucial point.”
BGE said that as of 5 p.m. Monday, about 14,200 customers have opted to pay the 72 percent increase beginning July 1.
The People?s Counsel wants the Public Service Commission to expedite its hearings on the proposed 21 percent increase and the phase-in of the remaining portion of the increase.
The office blasts the new plan because it includes a 5 percent interest charge as part of the phase-in.
“We have consistently opposed any plan that causes customers to pay any interest charges,” Smith said. “We?re concerned that the recent actions taken by the judge and the PSC have confused BGE residential customers even further during this difficult period. We urge both of them to quickly act to end this confusion.”
If the PSC fails to address the interest rate charges, the People?s Counsel wants Matricciani to take up the issue.
