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.”