But winter rate hikes were set nearly a year ago during a regular auction by the regional grid operator PJM …
Feb. 6, 2025
Significant shifts in how utility companies that we all rely upon for electricity and gas operate are impacting consumers across the Shore. Consolidation in the power supply sector over the past 25+ years has left consumers with little to no choice in which corporations supply their power, until recently. In 2023, options to use alternative suppliers began to emerge in Maryland, but delivery still occurs via Delmarva Power (DP), for those who live on the Eastern Shore. DP, an Exelon Corp. subsidiary, ‘owns’ the infrastructure (power lines, transfer stations, plants, etc.) and maintain on the physical infrastructure as well.
Some customers have read their bill inserts (or links on the DP web site) and analyzed the additional information provided and have taken advantage of some of the supply options available, but the majority of customers did not. Now, faced with astronomical bills for electric and gas service beginning with cold weather in December and winter rates being charged, customers across the state are confused and outraged at how much they are being charged compared to previous winters.
This post cannot provide a complete overview of the impacts of industry consolidation, but hopefully can help those affected understand the most important factors at play, how to interpret and review bills, and make informed decisions moving forward.
Last April, the Office of People’s Counsel, a state government entity established to “protect Maryland residential utility customers”, produced a video explaining upcoming rate increases and how to interpret them on bills.
The segment for BGE customers is first in the video. The segment for Delmarva Power begins at 30:59:
https://opc.maryland.gov/Consumer-Learning/Utility-Rates-and-Basics
More information is available on the OPC web site to explain both how regulation of utility providers has changed and to understand charges and information on bills.
Page that focuses on rates:
https://opc.maryland.gov/Consumer-Learning/Electricity/Utility-Standard-Offer-Service-Rates
There are also a number of Op Ed pieces, other press releases and OPC Newsletters available to help understand more of what has been happening, on behalf of consumers, in the energy industry in Maryland here:
Most are not accessible unless you subscribe to the publications they appear on, but you can also sign up for the OPC newsletter on their media page.
Delmarva Power has announced increased customer services to assist in understanding options for payment of winter bills, analyzing usage and managing costs in the future.
https://www.delmarva.com/my-account/my-dashboard/understanding-my-bill/bill-support
It’s no longer possible to be a passive consumer when it comes to what we pay for and what we receive in return.
For more on the history of Delmarva Power and the commercialization of utilities you can start here:
The Lower Shore Observer 