This op-ed challenges the report prepared for the Maryland’s Office of the People’s Counsel that reported the energy market has caused an increase in electricity costs. Ms. Ross instead provides information that demonstrates the restructured electricity market has created a vibrant marketplace for consumers, as well as leading to employment and economic growth.
The Baltimore Sun
Contact: Christine Ross
There should be no confusion about whether electricity competition is benefiting Maryland consumers. In fact, the benefits are evident if one does the math. While electricity prices nationwide have increased, Maryland consumers’ electric bills have essentially remained static for more than a decade. Maryland residential customers are paying about the same today for electricity as they were 10 years ago.
The same federal data referred to in both the OPC report, as well as a forthcoming report from the Abell Foundation, show that the monthly bill for an average Maryland household went from $138.39 in 2008, the year the market opened up for residential customers, to $139.86 in 2017, an increase of $1.47 over the past decade.
you account for inflation, Maryland residential electricity prices have actually decreased by 9.7 percent since 2008. Compare that to a 9.3 percent increase in states that remained a monopoly.
To read the entire article, click on the link below.