Maryland Congressional Delegation Holds Meeting to Discuss Energy Affordability and Reliability

Last week, members of Maryland's Congressional Delegation met with leaders from the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Maryland Energy Administration, the Office of People's Counsel for the State of Maryland, and PJM Interconnection to discuss efforts to lower Marylanders' electricity costs and strengthen the reliability of the regional electric grid. Video of the members' press availability following the meeting is available here.

"Too many Marylanders are already struggling to make ends meet and pay their electric bills, and the surge of data center development across our region is only making things worse. To address these rising costs - and to shore up our power grid - I'll keep working alongside Federal Team Maryland with our regional, state, and local partners, and I'll continue fighting to pass my Power for the People Act. Consumers should not have to pay one dime in additional electricity costs to support data centers for the richest companies on the planet," said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

"This Administration lied when they said they would lower our costs. Rent, groceries, and utilities are skyrocketing and Marylanders are struggling to get by. I am so glad Team Maryland met with state leaders to discuss how we can actually lower Marylanders' electricity costs," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

"At a time when Marylanders are facing financial strain at the hands of the Trump Administration, it is critical that we continue to combat rising energy prices for working families. I was glad to join my colleagues in the Maryland Congressional Delegation and leaders of the Maryland energy sector to discuss the critical issue of lowering costs while also strengthening the reliability of our regional electric grid. We will keep working with our state and regional partners to lower electricity costs for working families across our state," said Congressman Hoyer.

"The urgent issue of energy affordability is hurting my constituents and their families," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "I remain angry - that energy providers continue to rake in huge sums of money while the regulators fail to regulate. Working families cannot wait for another study, plan or proposal to address our skyrocketing electricity costs. The Maryland Public Service Commission must act swiftly to prevent any further utility rate increases moving forward, and PJM Interconnection must move swiftly to connect clean, affordable power sources to the grid that will help lower expensive utility rates. Congress must pass the POWER FOR THE PEOPLE ACT."

"Marylanders should not be forced to shoulder skyrocketing energy costs. Large energy users like data centers should be responsible for building or securing the electricity they need instead of shifting those costs onto Maryland ratepayers. In addition, Maryland leadership should place a moratorium on the state taxes and fees that continue to drive up energy bills. Maryland families deserve reliable, affordable power, not policies that make their electricity more expensive," said Congressman Andy Harris.

"The Trump economy is crushing Marylanders, especially as energy costs soar," said Congressman Jamie Raskin. "Together, Team Maryland is taking matters into our own hands, working to invest in affordable and reliable energy solutions for all our families."

"People in my district and across Maryland have seen their energy bills soar by over 20% in the past year, and this situation is not getting better. We are paying for data centers that are not located in Maryland nor in the interest of our constituents. We need common sense regulations that save us from this affordability crisis and prevent rolling blackouts on the grid that would put lives and livelihoods at risk," said Congressman Glenn Ivey.

"Every day I hear concerns about affordability and rising energy costs, and frankly, I share those concerns every time I open my own BGE bill. The data backs up what families are telling us: utility inflation has risen three times faster than general inflation, one in six households is carrying utility debt, and energy demand is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2032. All of this is happening while the President has effectively taken half of our future generation capacity off the table by cutting renewable energy projects," said Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. "Two things can be true: we can compete with China without abandoning critical environmental safeguards, and we can achieve energy and water independence without passing the costs directly onto consumers. But right now, that's not what's happening. Billions in data-center-driven transmission upgrade costs have already fallen onto ratepayers. That's why Team Maryland is working together on real solutions so our neighbors aren't caught footing the bill."

"Energy affordability is a major challenge right now as Marylanders continue to face crushing costs across the board. Rising demand from data centers, extreme weather, and the President's disruptive energy policies are only driving prices higher for working families while benefiting the wealthy. Addressing this issue is a key part of my 'Costs Down, Opportunity Up' affordability agenda, and I'm proud to stand alongside Team Maryland's delegation and our Governor as we work together to lead on solutions," said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

"Maryland families are struggling with ever-increasing utility bills. Lowering the cost of living has to be the top priority for all levels of government. I will continue fighting to protect Maryland consumers and ensure we're building out a reliable, sustainable and - most importantly - affordable energy future," said Congressman Johnny Olszewski.