Lawmakers toss consumer electric bill refund into grab bag of energy bills
Amended bill also aims to expedite new power plants, rein in utility spending, end trash burning subsidy
Senators on Tuesday rolled a laundry list of energy bills together into one package aimed at reshaping Maryland’s energy picture well into the future, and lowering costs in the process.
And they added one amendment designed to provide consumers more immediate relief.
In a two-hour session Tuesday, the Senate Education, Energy and the Environment Committee added bits and pieces of other energy bills to leadership legislation that had largely focused on expediting the construction of new power plants in the state.
But with Maryland residents face soaring electricity and gas rates, much of Tuesday’s debate focused on the so-called “Legislative Energy Hardship Credit” for residential customers.