Energy Rate Hikes May Spell the End of Deregulation in Maryland

Among the many issues that led to Democratic dominance in the fall elections, energy rate hikes were at the top of the list in Maryland. Forget the Iraq War. Marylanders were angry about how much it cost to heat and cool their homes.

In 1999, at the height of the privatization/deregulation frenzy, Maryland put into effect an energy deregulation bill that capped energy costs for six years in exchange for exposure to the vagaries of the wholesale market thereafter. But when the caps expired last year, Baltimore Gas & Electric proposed a 72% rate hike. Maryland's Public Service Commission gave its approval to the move, which incensed citizens and led to legislative action to stave off the increase. But the legislative action was only a temporary measure.

Now BG&E is suggesting a 47% increase instead.

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