It’s considering a request for a rate increase from Potomac Edison.
Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Public Service Commission is holding a hearing next week on a request for a rate increase from Potomac Edison. PSC spokeswoman Tori Leonard says the hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 10th at Winchester Hall in Frederick beginning at 6:30 PM. “This is an opportunity for the Commission to hear from the public about their thoughts on the rate increase and the impacts it will have to their bills,”: she says.
The Commission says Potomac Edison has requested a $48.5 million increase in its rate. It says the additional revenue is needed to cover expenses to replace and enhance its distribution system infrastructure, according to a news release from the PSC.
Potomac Edison serves 285,000 customers in all or parts of Frederick, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties.
The hearing will take place simultaneously in Frederick, and at Allegany College in Cumberland. “This is sort of a hybrid where people can show up in person at either,” she says. “The judge will be at the location in Frederick, and that location will be virtually linked to that location in Cumberland.”
Citizens who cannot attend either meeting in person can send their comments by mail to Andrew Johnston, Executive Director, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Md., 21202. Comments can also be sent electronically to https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment. Whether resident comments are sent by mail or electronically, the PSC asks you reference Case No. 9695.
After Monday’s hearing, Leonard says it may take several months before the Commission renders a decision on the rate increase. She says the PSC will consider certain criteria before taking a vote. “They look for whether the investments the utility is seeking cost recovery on are prudent. They look for the bill impacts to residential, commercial and industrial customers,” she says.
The PSC also looks at “whether or not any upgrades add reliability or security to the grid,” says Leonard.
By Kevin McManus