Md. PSC considers hearings on utility bill adjustments

WASHINGTON – Maryland regulators say they will take another look at the bill stabilization adjustment, a monthly surcharge appearing on power bills.

No matter who the provider is, Maryland customers see a monthly adjustment on their bills. The adjustment is so complicated, even utility experts struggle to explain it.

Sometimes it shows as a credit, sometimes it shows as a charge. But customers still see it, even when the power goes out – and that’s making power customers crazy.

Utilities say customers are not charged for power they don’t use. But citing the complaints it has received, the Maryland Public Service Commission says it will hold hearings in September on how the adjustment might be changed.

They’re considering the elimination of a provision that keeps the adjustment intact, even during power outages. The prospective hearings on the adjustment are not official yet, though.

Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner, who pushed for the change, says the PSC’s decision to take another look at it is a step in the right direction.

The PSC is already involved in a series of hearings on utility performance during the derecho.

WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow Kate and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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