This is sign-on testimony in support of Maryland HB1253 to stop the ability of regulated gas companies to put ratepayers on the hooks for tens of billions of dollars for gas line replacement that does not prioritize public safety, more cost effective alternatives and it stops the ability of gas companies to bypass the normal…
The letter is about the failure of a regulated gas company in MD (WGL) to comply with state law regarding gas infrastructure replacement, Next Generation Energy Act (modifies the STRIDE law), to prioritize safety and demonstrate cost effectiveness, including repair of gas lines over replacement. Marylanders are overpaying for gas because of industry abuses that…
Read More about Sign-on Letter to Maryland PSC Re WGL's Compliance with a Gas Line Replacement Law
This testimony supports HB 1148, which would provide heirs who inherit property much-needed assistance including assistance in avoiding tax sale. Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) testifies in strong support of this bill.
In this Order, the Commission provides guidance and direction pertaining to the Public Conference 59 (“PC 59”) Work Group’s Report on Proposed Limited Income Mechanism for Utility Customers. For the reasons detailed below, the Commission approves the general design of the proposed Limited Income Mechanism (“LIM”), recommends guidance on further details, and approves Phase II…
This report was prepared for the Public Service Commission of Maryland by the PC59 Work Group, the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition (MEAC), which includes the National Consumer Law Center. The Work Group developed and proposed a limited-income mechanism to help ensure customers have an energy burden of approximately 6%. The Work Group requests the Commission…
Read More about Limited Income Mechanism for Utility Customers (Maryland)
On November 16, 2023, the Public Service Commission (Commission) issued a Notice establishing an Administrative Docket PC 59 to consider proposals for limited-income mechanisms for utility customers. The Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition (MEAC) submitted these comments in response. MEAC’s mission is to focus on the circumstances, needs and solutions for the low-income households and communities…
The Maryland Energy Advocates (MEAC) submitted extensive comments and a proposed framework for a low-income Affordability Plan on January 31, 2024. MEAC later submitted the following Reply Comments. These stakeholders are unified in supporting a statewide low income affordable rate plan and reject the idea that households should receive varying benefits based on the utility…
Read More about Reply Comments of the Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition Regarding PC59
The Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition (MEAC) submitted comments in response to the Maryland Public Service Commission’s October 16, 2025, Notice of Comment and Hearing in Public Conference 59 (PC 59). MEAC has been an active advocate in the Commission’s process to consider adoption of a utility discount rate plan for low-income households in Maryland. MEAC…
Read More about Maryland Energy Advocates Coalition Working Group Comments on PC59
A new breed of payday loans, so-called earned wage access products, exacerbate affordability problems by taking hundreds of dollars per year from low-wage workers. This written testimony from NCLC supports a Maryland bill that will prevent manipulations that increase fees and make workers pay to be paid. NCLC’s testimony also suggests several amendments to the…
Read More about Written Testimony in Support of Maryland Earned Wage Revisions
Maryland, Virginia, and DC lawmakers highlight devastating impact of eliminating the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The National Consumer Law Center is among 49 groups urging Maryland Governor Moore to veto HB 1294, which would carve loopholes in Maryland’s 33% interest rate limit for earned wage advances and other fintech payday loans.
Read More about Letter Urging Veto of MD HB 1294, Earned Wage Advance
NCLC opposes Maryland HB 1294 (Wilson), which authorizes high fees and exempts earned wage advances and other new forms of payday loans from Maryland’s 33% APR interest rate limit.
Read More about Testimony Opposing Maryland HB 1294 Earned Wage Access
