Concerned about the effect that any electricity rate increase would have on the state?s senior citizens, the Maryland chapter of AARP has developed specific plans it hopes the General Assembly will consider as it debates the rate increase controversy in a special legislative session beginning this week.
“We are concerned about the impact this will have on older adults in Maryland and their families, especially those living on fixed incomes,” said Kelly Coates-Carter, an AARP spokeswoman. “But this is an issue that transcends age and income. It?s about consumer protection.”
Specifically, the association is calling for the expansion and restructuring of the Public Service Commission. The AARP proposes that the governor appoint three commissioners (including the chair), one of whom must represent a consumer voice; the president of the Senate appoint two commissioner, including a consumer representative; and the speaker of the House appoint two commissioners, one of whom would directly speak for the consumer.
“The availability, cost and consumer price stability must be at the top of the General Assembly?s 2007 legislative agenda,” said Joseph DeMattos, AARP?s state director. “In the meantime, AARP will track energy as an issue focusing on the long-term impact and the specific solutions government leaders and candidates propose using to ensure stability in pricing and availability.”
Additionally, the AARP is asking that there be a greater transparency with regard to who is supplying power, where it is bought and from whom it is purchased. The group also wants the legislature to investigate new guidelines that would allow wholesale purchasers greater flexibility options, including longer-term contracts and the ability to enter the market more frequently when energy prices are not at their highest.
“Right now they?re only allowed to go in once a year, in terms of how much they can buy and how frequently they can go in,” Coates-Carter said. “What we?d like to see is increased flexibility in that.”
She added that the association is optimistic that lawmakers will consider its concerns, especially given that it represents more than 800,000 consumers statewide. But either way, she and others at the AARP say they will continue lobbying for what they consider a fair plan for seniors.
