Maryland Adopts Plan For Energy Efficiency

[jpak]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/20/AR2007072002110.html

In a bid to cut energy use, Maryland yesterday became just the fourth state in the nation to approve a plan that removes the incentive for electric utilities to sell more power in order to make more money.

In a rate case ruling issued yesterday, the Maryland Public Service Commission endorsed an approach known as decoupling, which ensures that utilities do not lose revenue if customers use less electricity.

"The fact that Maryland has undertaken this step is clear evidence that states are going to be ramping up their own programs to take energy efficiency to new levels," said Jim Owen, a spokesman for the Edison Electric Institute, a utility industry association.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), facing criticism over steep rate hikes for 1.1 million Baltimore Gas and Electric customers, has set a goal of reducing Maryland's energy demand by 15 percent by 2015. Cutting electricity use will help the state cut its greenhouse gas emissions.

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[Bitwit1234]

1. Why would O'Malley face critisim for the rate hike

the former administration, Ehrlich, didn't he approved the rate hike to take effect in January of this year. If I am not mistaken, O'Malley held it off for about six months, but he could not override the BGand E.

[invader zim]

2. Governor Glendening

Gov. Glendening was the one who froze energy rates at 1992 levels in an attempt stimulate the free market and allow competing energy companies to come into the state. It didn't work. The limits were of course set to expire once he was out of office. This is what put the heat to both erlich and o'malley. With fuel costs going up across the board BG&E had to raise it's rates.

Zim