Power is a hot issue in the Baltimore region.
Whether it?s concerns over deregulated power costs or the ability of companies to meet the demands of summertime consumers, electricity seems to be on everyone?s mind. Johanna Neumann, a policy advocate with the Maryland Public Interest Research Group, said her organization has already been contacted by concerned residents about their ability to pay their increased power bills.
“There is additional money that has been allocated to the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, and my understanding is that they are already getting a record number of requests,” Neumann said.
With deregulation instituting up to a 50 percent increase in rates, Baltimore Gas and Electric has given its customers the option of deferring the rate increase by 12 percent until January of next year. At that time, however, customers will be liable for the difference, along with the current market rate of power. As of Tuesday, all BGE customers should have received a bill reflecting at least one day of the new rate, according to Linda Foy, a spokeswoman for BGE.
To both reduce bills and conserve power during a heavy-usage time of year, BGE continues to encourage residents to utilize energy-efficient appliances and practices around the home.
As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, consumers are eligible to get tax credits for using the highest-efficiency-level Energy Star products. Consumers may earn a $500 credit for replacing doors or insulation with Energy Star-certified products, $200 for windows, $300 for heating and air systems, and up to $3,000 for solar water systems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Cutting electricity consumption also is easier with the use of new technologies. Earlier this year, BGE began to incorporate these technologies in its Smart Energy Savers Program.
“We?re in the middle of the pilot program right now,” Foy said, adding it is not known when the features would be available. “There?s a lot of stuff out there that?s being considered.”
More information
» For tips or help with power bills, visit BGE‘s Web site or call the Maryland Energy Assistance Program at 1-800-332-6347.
How should the state of Maryland help consumers with electricity costs? Respond below in our comment section.
